KATRA, Sept 3 — A massive landslide triggered by continuous heavy rainfall struck near Dava Morh on the Mata Vaishno Devi route, damaging roadside shops, horse sheds, and nearby houses, officials said Wednesday.
Authorities swiftly evacuated sanitation staff from a nearby colony and relocated them to Aashirwad Bhawan near Katra bus stand with the help of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board vehicles.
Pilgrimage via the traditional route remains suspended for the ninth consecutive day, as landslides have also been reported beyond Sameer Point.
In an unusual step, both the Reasi–Katra and Katra–Jammu roads have been closed for safety reasons. Traffic toward Jammu is being diverted via Narayana Hospital to reach National Highway-44.
The administration has urged residents to remain indoors unless necessary, warning that incessant rains, rising water levels, and frequent landslides have created a critical situation across Jammu and Kashmir.
