A devastating spell of heavy rains and landslides has struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda region, resulting in the loss of 10 lives, including 6 pilgrims who were on their way to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine. The incident occurred when a group of pilgrims were caught in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in the area. The landslides and heavy rains have caused widespread destruction, with several roads and bridges being damaged or washed away. The authorities have launched a rescue operation to evacuate the stranded pilgrims and provide aid to those affected. The Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working together to rescue those trapped in the debris. The heavy rains have also caused power outages and communication disruptions in the region, making it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the affected areas. The Vaishno Devi shrine board has announced the suspension of the yatra until further notice, citing the safety of the pilgrims as the top priority. The Jammu and Kashmir government has also issued a high alert in the region, warning people of the dangers of landslides and flash floods. The meteorological department has predicted more rainfall in the coming days, which could exacerbate the situation. The authorities are urging people to stay indoors and avoid traveling to the affected areas unless absolutely necessary. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of pilgrims and the need for better infrastructure and emergency response systems in the region. The government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured, and is working to provide relief to those affected. The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and taking necessary precautions to minimize the risk of loss of life and property. The region is prone to landslides and flash floods during the monsoon season, and the authorities need to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, and the incident has sent shockwaves across the country. The Indian government has assured all possible assistance to the state government to deal with the situation. The incident has also raised questions about the impact of climate change on the region, with many experts pointing to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in recent years. The authorities are working to restore normalcy in the region, but it may take some time to recover from the devastating effects of the landslides and heavy rains. The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and taking necessary precautions during natural disasters. The region is likely to experience more rainfall in the coming days, and the authorities need to be prepared to deal with any situation that may arise. The government has urged people to cooperate with the rescue teams and follow the instructions of the authorities to ensure their safety.