Highlights
- A cloudburst was reported near base camp of shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas
- The lower reaches of Amarnath cave witnessed a cloud burst at around 5.30 pm
- At least 13 people were confirmed dead, and 5 were rescued so far; 30-40 still missing
Amarnath cloudburst updates: A cloudburst was reported near the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday. At least thirteen people were confirmed dead, and five were rescued so far. Officials said that at least 30 or 40 people are still missing.
The lower reaches of Amarnath cave witnessed a cloud burst at around 5.30 pm. The Indian Air Force assets including helicopters and personnel on standby to launch rescue and relief operations at the cave site.
Rescue operation is underway by NDRF, SDRF & other associated agencies, Joint Police Control Room, Pahalgam informed. Water came from above the cave after heavy rains in the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now. Some langars at the Amarnath shrine were affected by the cloudburst. Chopper is rushed to rescue the injured.
Vijay Kumar, the IGP of Kashmir said that the injured are being airlifted for treatment. The situation, he said, is under control.
Helpline numbers issued
The Amarnath Shrine Board released helpline numbers for emergency situations. The numbers are -
NDRF: 011-23438252, 011-23438253
Kashmir Divisional Helpline: 0194-2496240
Shrine Board Helpline: 0194-2313149
Visuals of the flash floods, cloudburst
PM Modi Amit Shah says in touch J&K LG
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that all possible assistance is being provided to the affected.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he is in constant touch with the lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. "NDRF, CRPF, BSF and local administration are engaged in the rescue work. Saving people's lives is our priority. I wish all the devotees well," Shah tweeted.
The authorities announced on Wednesday (July 6) that with some improvement in the weather conditions along both routes, Amarnath Yatra will be resumed for the day. Earlier, due to bad weather along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes, no movement of pilgrims was allowed from either side towards the cave shrine and the pilgrims were not allowed to move towards the Valley from Jammu.
(More to follow)
