A landslide on the new route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district has resulted in the tragic deaths of two women and severe injuries to a young girl. The incident occurred near Panchi, about three kilometers from the shrine, around 2:35 p.m. today.
The landslide not only caused fatalities but also damaged an overhead iron structure on the path. The Shri Vaishno Devi Shrine Board quickly initiated relief efforts, transporting the injured to a hospital for treatment.
Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan confirmed the casualties and injuries, stating, "Two women have died and a girl has been severely injured in the landslide."
Emergency services, including senior police and civil officials, have arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue operation. Deputy Commissioner Mahajan is heading to Katra, the base camp for pilgrims, to coordinate the response.
Following the landslide, the pilgrimage route has been temporarily closed to ensure safety. Further information about the incident will be provided as it becomes available.
Authorities are urging all pilgrims and visitors to stay vigilant and heed any advisories issued by the Shri Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and local officials. Given the recent landslide and the ongoing rescue operations, travelers are advised to avoid the affected route and monitor updates regularly. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness and caution in the region, especially during adverse weather conditions or natural events. Pilgrims are encouraged to follow safety protocols and cooperate with emergency services to ensure their well-being and facilitate smooth rescue efforts.
In a related note, there was a significant incident at the shrine earlier in 2022, where a stampede led to 12 deaths and 16 injuries on New Year’s Day.
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