A massive landslide.

A massive landslide.    Tuesday afternoon saw a huge landslip close to Adhkuwari, which is roughly halfway on the 13-kilometre journey from Katra to the main shrine. The landslip was caused by severe and continuous rainfall. At least 32 individuals have been reported dead, and many more have been injured. Officials are concerned that the number of casualties could increase as rescue efforts continue.

Wider Effects and Reaction:
Yatra suspension: Because of the severe weather, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had already halted the pilgrimage on the Himkoti route in the morning and completely halted the Yatra on the ancient route at 1:30 pm. The pilgrimage has been halted till further notice due to the landslip.

Damage and Widespread Flooding: The landslip is a component of a broader regional catastrophe. For several days, Jammu and Kashmir has been hammered by heavy, unrelenting rain, which has caused flash floods and a dramatic rise in the water levels of important rivers, including the Tawi, Chenab, and Jhelum.

Interrupted Communication:

Railways: Due to track damage brought on by flash floods, at least 18 to 22 trains have been cancelled, and others have been short-terminated.

Roads: Landslides and bridge collapses have blocked or damaged important national highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar and Jammu-Pathankot highways.

Communication: Due to damaged optical fibre networks, telecom services, including internet and mobile, have been significantly hampered or are “almost nonexistent” in several areas of the region.

Large-scale rescue and relief efforts are being carried out by the Indian Army, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local government. In addition to setting up community kitchens and aid camps, they are evacuating thousands of people from areas affected by flooding.

Official Statements: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have offered their sympathies and promised to help those in need as much as possible.