Cloudburst near Amarnath cave kills 13, many missing

SRINAGAR,

AT LEAST 13 yatris were killed, five others injured and around three dozen missing after a cloudburst near the Amarnath cave shrine on Friday evening caused flash floods, officials said.

J&K DGP Dilbag Singh said 13 pilgrims were killed in the cloudburst that hit the area around 5.30 p.m.

At least three langars (community kitchens) and 25 yatri tents were washed away in flash floods caused by the cloudburst. Sources said that around three dozen people are missing in this tragedy and efforts are on to locate them.

Rescue teams were immediately rushed to the spot, some using helicopter services. The rescue operation is still going on and the authorities are trying to ascertain the exact casualties or damage caused by calamity. Rescue operation was impeded as darkness engulfed the area.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar had earlier told reporters that rescue operations by various agencies is underway, the situation is under contro. Officials said, following cloudburst, water surged above the sides of the cave after heavy rains at the upper reaches.

As the situation became critical, the pilgrimage was suspended till the situation returns to normal, informed the officials on Friday.

“Situation is under control, rains are still going on. Looking at the hazard level, the Amarnath Yatra has been halted temporarily due to the area being inundated. If the weather remains normal and makeshift arrangements are made, then the yatra can be resumed tomorrow,” said ITBP spokesperson PRO Vivek Kumar Pandey. The Home Minister also had a word with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and said the rescue was underway.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday set up a helpline for the Amarnath Yatra.

NDRF: 011-23438252 011-23438253. Kashmir Divisional Helpline: 0194-2496240. Shrine Board Helpline: 0194-2313149

Distressed to learn about cloudburst: President :PRESIDENT Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said he was distressed to know that a cloudburst near the Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has claimed several lives, and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

“I am distressed to learn that a cloudburst near Amarnath shrine has claimed several lives. My condolences to the bereaved families. Relief and rescue measures are in full swing to provide succour to those stranded. I pray and hope that the yatra be soon resumed,” Kovind tweeted. All assistance being provided: PM: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the cloudburst near the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, and said all possible assistance is being provided to the affected.

“Anguished by the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to @manojsinha_ Ji and took stock of the situation,” Modi said in a tweet.