Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Suspended as Landslide Claims Lives in Jammu and Kashmir

A severe landslide has occurred on the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, prompted by torrential rains. The continuous rainfall in the area has created hazardous conditions for those on the Trikuta hills. Tragically, the landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine has resulted in approximately 30 confirmed deaths, with around 14 individuals also injured. The incident has left several devotees stranded, cut off by the landslip. Due to the extreme weather, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the shutdown of all schools and offices, excluding essential services and law and order departments. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for very heavy rainfall in the Jammu division for the coming 40 hours. Rising water levels in the Basantar, Tawi, and Chenab rivers have added to the distress, causing worry for local residents.