4 killed, 9 injured in landslide in Indian-controlled Kashmir

At least four people were killed and nine others injured Saturday in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The landslide occurred near Katra in Reasi district, around 317 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"In a landslide which was triggered here early today, four people were killed and nine others injured," an official said.

"The injured were immediately taken to hospital, where four were relieved after providing first-aid, but the condition of five injured is reported to be critical."

Three of the deceased were identified as pilgrims, while the fourth was said to be a ponny walla (horse puller).

There is a shrine perched in the hills of the Trikuta mountains of Katra town. Millions of Hindu devotees visit the shrine annually.

Officials said debris of the landslide hit a shelter where the people were resting.

Following the incident, the pilgrimage was stopped for a couple of hours; however, it resumed immediately after the shrine track was cleared of the debris.

Indian-controlled Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Landslides are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains. Endit