A devastating landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, as reported by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Paramvir Singh. This tragic event occurred due to heavy rainfall in the region.

The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings about widespread thunderstorms affecting the Jammu area. Residents are advised to remain indoors, steer clear of low-lying and flooded regions, and adhere to safety advisories from local authorities.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed that five people had already lost their lives, with many others injured due to the landslide on the path leading to the shrine located on Trikuta hill. There are concerns that additional individuals may be trapped beneath the debris.

Following the landslide, the pilgrimage to the shrine was halted around 3 PM on Tuesday, as reported by local news sources.

In addition to Jammu and Kashmir, heavy rains and flooding have been reported in various regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Odisha. Continuous rainfall has also caused flooding in Punjab and triggered a landslide in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has established helplines for assistance and is advising devotees to postpone their visits to the shrine due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.