Death Toll In Vaishno Devi Landslide Climbs To 32

The death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district has risen to 32, officials said on Wednesday, a day after the tragedy struck the pilgrimage route to the hilltop shrine.

At least 20 others sustained injuries when the landslide, triggered by incessant rainfall, sent boulders and rocks crashing down around 3 pm on Tuesday, catching devotees and pilgrims by surprise.

The incident occurred at a spot roughly midway along the 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine. Following the disaster, the pilgrimage was suspended.

Authorities had earlier stopped the yatra on the Himkoti route in the morning due to heavy rains, but movement continued on the old track until 1.30 pm when officials ordered a complete suspension in view of worsening weather conditions.

Rescue operations are underway as officials continue to monitor the situation closely.