Katra: A sudden landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Katra on Monday morning (July 21), injuring at least four pilgrims and bringing the pilgrimage to a standstill. The incident took place around 8:50 am near the Banganga area, which is a crucial stretch where thousands begin their spiritual ascent to the hilltop shrine.
According to officials quoted by PTI, several devotees were caught under falling debris as shelters along the route were damaged. Immediate action by local police, volunteers, and shrine personnel helped prevent what could have turned into a larger tragedy.
Visuals from the site showed pilgrims running for cover as rocks tumbled down the hill. Chaos gripped the area as Palki bearers, Pitthu carriers, Shrine Board staff and police teams rushed to help the injured and evacuate others.
Four people who sustained injuries were taken to nearby hospitals and are reported to be stable. As of now, the affected section of the pilgrimage route has been temporarily closed, halting movement of devotees.
The Banganga stretch is one of the most frequently used parts of the Yatra route, heavily relied upon by pony and foot travellers alike. The sudden disruption has reportedly affected hundreds of pilgrims who had just begun their journey.
Weather Wreaks Havoc Across Jammu and Kashmir
The impact of the downpour has been widespread. On Sunday evening (July 20), a separate landslide occurred near Dewal Bridge in Samroli village, Udhampur, blocking the upper tube of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and hampering travel towards the Kashmir Valley.
Further north, landslides near Z Morh disrupted the Amarnath Yatra between Rayalpathri and Brarimarg on July 16. The pilgrimage was suspended the next day after 36 hours of uninterruped rainfall.
Weather advisories remain in effect across Jammu and Kashmir, as authorities warn of continued heavy rain and urge caution for travellers and pilgrims.
