Landslide on Mata Vaishno Devi route kills three people

In a tragic incident on Monday, September 2, three pilgrims were killed after a landslide hit the new road leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

If To believe reports, the landslide occurred at around 2:35 pm near Panchi, a place about three kilometers from Bhawan, the main temple complex. The sudden landslide also damaged part of the suspended iron structure, aggravating the situation and hampering the movement of pilgrims along the road. Officials confirmed that the impact of the landslide was severe and there are fears that more pilgrims may be trapped under the rubble.

Immediately after the incident, the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board launched rescue and relief operations. The Sanctuary Council's Disaster Management Team was quickly dispatched to the site to assist with rescue efforts and provide assistance to those affected. The director-general of the Shrines Council confirmed that "shooting stones" appeared along with the landslide, complicating the task of rescue teams on the ground.

The extent of the damage and the total number of casualties reportedly remain unclear as rescue efforts continue . Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of more casualties or injuries as they work tirelessly to clear rubble and search for survivors.

The new route, which was designed to ease the journey of pilgrims and reduce congestion on the traditional route, is popular among believers. However, the recent incident has highlighted the potential danger posed by natural disasters, especially during the monsoon season when landslides and shooting stones are more common in the hilly terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pilgrims, Those planning to visit the shrine are advised to keep up to date with the latest developments and follow all safety guidelines issued by the Shrines Council. The ongoing monsoon season has made the region more prone to landslides, and authorities are likely to review safety measures on pilgrimage routes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As rescue operations continue, more details about the incident are expected. The tragic loss of life has cast a shadow on the pilgrimage, one of the most revered in the country.

Source: timesofindia