The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps has stepped in to assist in relief and rescue operations following a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The situation was equally grim in the Jammu division. All major rivers were flowing above the danger mark, inundating low-lying areas and causing massive damage to infrastructure.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, the White Knight Corps shared updates on the relief operations. They said, “Update on relief operations: Relief troops of White Knight Corps at Ardhkumwari, Katra are assisting the landslide victims in collaboration with rescue teams of Shrine Board, JKP and CRPF. Intense coordination is being done with all agencies to maximize humanitarian assistance. We Serve, We Protect!”
Some people have died and others have been injured in a landslide triggered by incessant rains. The incident took place on Tuesday near Garnai Lota area on Kishanpur-Domel road where five pilgrims from Sampu town in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district got trapped under the debris. According to police officials, three youths were swept away by the strong currents of water while two survived by swimming and one by clinging to a tree.
Heavy rains have also wreaked havoc across Jammu and Kashmir. In the Kashmir Valley, normal life was disrupted as several service providers shut down mobile phone and internet services due to the weather conditions. Many residents were cut off from essential communication channels due to the sudden disruption.
The Chenab river is in spate due to continuous heavy rains in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. A bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot highway collapsed under the pressure of the swollen river, forcing the closure of the highway. Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar highway has been blocked by falling rocks, adding to transport problems.
As coordinated relief operations continue, the Army, local administration, Shrine Board and paramilitary forces are working round the clock to rescue the affected people and provide necessary assistance to the stranded pilgrims and locals.
