Over 30 dead, several feared trapped as landslide hits Vaishno Devi Yatra route; railways cancel 22 trains in Jammu
PTC News Desk: At least thirty people lost their lives and 23 others injured after a massive landslide hit Jammu and Kashmir's Vaishno Devi Yatra near Ardhkumari in Katra amid heavy rains on Wednesday. Meanwhile several others are feared trapped and rescue teams continue to search the debris.
In Jammu, critical infrastructure took a major hit, with bridges collapsing and power lines and mobile towers severely damaged.
Earlier on Tuesday landslide struch the shrine route, killing nine people and injuring several others. The collapse of the mountainside caused significant damage along the path and officials have warned that the death toll is likely to rise.
Over3,500 residents have been evacuated so far after torrential rains continued to wreak havoc, triggering flash floods and waterlogging across the district. Evacuation and relief efforts are underway with joint teams from the District Administration, J&K Police, NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army and local volunteers.
Meanwhile, Northern Railways on Tuesday cancelled the next day's 22 trains halting at or departing from Jammu and Katra railway stations, and short-terminated 27 trains in the division.
Heavy rain lashing the Jammu region has disrupted rail traffic.
"Twenty-seven trains have been short-terminated on Tuesday. This has been done in view of the prevailing weather conditions in the region," Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Northern Railway, Jammu Division, said.
- PTC NEWS
