Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 23: A devastating landslide in the Badora area of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, tragically claimed the lives of two laborers and severely injured another early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred in the Mahore sub-division, a region currently grappling with the effects of continuous heavy rainfall.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, the landslide struck around 2:00 AM while the three men, including a JCB machine operator, were asleep in a tent at a construction site. This site was part of the ongoing pilgrimage infrastructure development for the Badora Shiva Cave. The sudden collapse of earth and debris buried their tent, leading to the fatalities.
The deceased have been identified as Ravi Kumar (23), son of Parshotam Kumar, a resident of Tehsil Channi in Udhampur district, and Rashpal Singh (26), son of Soba Ram, a resident of Tuli Kalaban, Tehsil Chassana, Reasi district. The injured laborer was immediately transported to Mahore Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Previous Incidents Highlight Growing Landslide Threat
This latest tragedy follows another fatal landslide incident on July 21 in the Poonch district, where a young student lost their life. The Incharge Medical Superintendent of the district hospital confirmed that a 5-year-old child was brought in dead, while four other children sustained minor injuries and are currently under observation. A teacher also suffered injuries but is reported to be in stable condition.
Medical Officer Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, speaking to ANI, detailed the Poonch incident: “In Bainch, an unfortunate incident occurred at school, resulting in injuries from a landslide. A total of five children were injured. One 5-year-old child was brought in dead, while the other 4 had minor injuries… The injured children are stable, and their injuries are being monitored. The teacher was also injured, but is stable. All are under observation, and if any further treatment or referral is needed, we will handle it accordingly.”
One of the injured students recounted their harrowing experience from the hospital bed, stating that they were injured when stones fell from the roof of their school building in the wake of the landslide. A teacher from the affected school highlighted the vulnerability of the area, noting that the school is located in an underdeveloped region surrounded by hills with unpaved roads, making it highly susceptible to such natural disasters during the monsoon season.
These incidents underscore the severe impact of the ongoing heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, which has led to increased instances of landslides and flash floods, posing significant risks to residents and infrastructure in mountainous and hilly regions. Authorities have issued advisories and are undertaking relief efforts to manage the crisis.