Flash Floods and Landslides in Jammu and Kashmir Claim 38 Lives at Vaishno Devi Shrine

Tragedy unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir as flash floods and landslides ravaged the region, marking the second monsoon-related disaster of the pilgrimage season. Following the cloudburst in Kishtwar on August 14th, rescue operations at the Vaishno Devi shrine yielded an additional 28 bodies on Wednesday. These findings elevated the overall death toll from Tuesday’s devastating events in Reasi and Doda to 38. The majority of the victims, discovered at Ardhkuwari in Reasi, were pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Punjab. Previously, six fatalities were confirmed, with at least 20 others injured in the landslide. The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has pledged financial assistance, with Rs 9 lakh allocated to each family of the deceased. Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, has also committed Rs 4 lakh to the families of the 11 individuals from his state who lost their lives in the Reasi landslide. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced concerns about the safety protocols, questioning why pilgrims were permitted to continue their journey on the Vaishno Devi route during inclement weather. Lieutenant Governor Sinha briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing flood situation and the government’s response, including evacuation and relief strategies.