Heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide near Ardhkuwari on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Katra on Tuesday, leaving five dead and 14 others injured. The incident occurred close to the Indraprastha Bhojanalaya around 3 pm, where several devotees were trapped under debris. Rescue operations by NDRF, Reasi police, and local administration are underway, while efforts continue to trace those feared trapped.
Officials confirmed that the landslide struck midway along the 12 km uphill track leading to the shrine. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board also posted an update on social media about the disaster. The pilgrimage has been suspended until further notice to ensure devotees’ safety.
Meanwhile, the Himkoti trek route had already been closed earlier in the morning due to incessant rain. By 1:30 pm, authorities also suspended movement on the old track following heavy downpour warnings.
