Vaishno Devi Landslide Kills 32, President Murmu Expresses Grief

A catastrophic landslide struck the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of 32 devotees and injuring at least 20 others. The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, has prompted widespread grief and halted the sacred pilgrimage to the hilltop shrine. President Droupadi Murmu, in a heartfelt statement, described the loss of lives as "extremely distressing" and extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved families while praying for the success of ongoing relief and rescue operations.

The landslide occurred on the treacherous route leading to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, a major pilgrimage site drawing millions of devotees annually. According to officials, the heavy downpour destabilized the terrain, causing a massive slide of debris that engulfed pilgrims on the path. Rescuers have been working tirelessly, pulling bodies from the rubble as they battle challenging conditions to locate survivors. The injured have been rushed to nearby medical facilities, where they are receiving urgent care.

In a post on X, written in Hindi, President Murmu expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, stating, "The tragic incident of the death of several devotees in a landslide on the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is extremely distressing. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the success of the relief and rescue operations." Her words reflect the nation’s collective mourning for the lives lost in this unforeseen disaster.

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The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, nestled in the Trikuta Hills, is one of India’s holiest pilgrimage destinations, and the suspension of the yatra has left countless devotees in shock. Authorities have temporarily halted all pilgrimage activities to ensure safety and facilitate rescue efforts. The local administration, alongside disaster response teams, is working to clear debris and restore access, though the scale of the tragedy has posed significant challenges.

This incident underscores the vulnerabilities of pilgrimage routes in mountainous regions, particularly during monsoon seasons when heavy rainfall can trigger landslides. The government has assured a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the disaster, with a focus on improving safety measures for pilgrims. As rescue operations continue, the nation joins President Murmu in mourning the loss and hoping for the swift recovery of those affected.

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