Jammu and Kashmir: Landslide on Vaishno Devi Shrine Route, 3 Pilgrims Injured, Rescue Operation Underway

A major landslide occurred on Monday on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, near the Panchi helipad, resulting in injuries to three pilgrims. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has initiated immediate rescue and relief operations. Despite the incident, the pilgrimage has not been halted and continues via an alternative route.

The CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board confirmed the occurrence of rockfall and landslides on the temple path. The board's disaster management team swiftly arrived at the scene and is actively working to rescue and assist those affected by the landslide.

The landslide was triggered by intermittent rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been ongoing for several days. This is not the first such incident in the area; on August 15, a similar landslide occurred near Southern Dehri on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, temporarily disrupting the journey to the holy temple. Fortunately, that earlier event resulted in no casualties.

The ongoing rescue efforts aim to ensure the safety of all pilgrims, and the situation is being closely monitored by the authorities.