Landslide en route Vaishnodevi shrine leaves 1 dead; 8 injured

Jammu: A landslide triggered by rains en route the cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in Trikuta hills of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir left a woman dead and eight others injured on Friday.

The landslide hit the foot track near Devi Dwar on Himkoti Marg en route the cave shrine at about 12:15 PM, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Ajeet Sahu told PTI.

The deceased woman has been identified as 32-year-old Soman, a resident of Rewari district of Haryana, the official said, adding the body is being shifted to CHC Katra from Adhkuwari dispensary, where she was declared brought dead.

Sahu said eight persons, including three children, were injured in the incident, adding all of them are being treated.

"The Himkoti track has been closed for pilgrims till clearance of 'malba' (debris) and an evaluation to rule out any further slide," the CEO said.

"Arrangements are being made by the Shrine Board for shifting the body to the victim's native place. Insurance claim of Rs 3 lakhs is being paid to next of kin of the deceased," he said.
Over 40,000 to 45,000 pilgrims visit the cave shrine daily.