Cloud bursts in Amarnath: 15 killed, including 3 women, 25 tents flooded; 45 devotees trapped, the Air Force also joined in the relief and rescue work
Rushing water is flowing from the side of the holy cave
A cloudburst has occurred near Amarnath cave. The event is Friday at 5:30 p.m. At the time when the cloud burst, 10 to 15 thousand devotees were present near the cave. The local news agency reported that 15 devotees, including 3 women, were killed. 45 devotees are trapped. The cloudburst occurred within a two-kilometer radius of the holy cave. Travelers trapped in the cave have been taken to Panchtarani. The Air Force is also involved in relief and rescue operations.
The water started flowing from the mountains together, causing about 25 tents and three anchors to be set up for the devotees. The rains caused floods in the area and people rushed to the spot. Many devotees have gone missing and are feared to have drowned.
Helpline numbers have been announced by Amarnath Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir Police and NDRF.
0194 2313149
0194 2496240
9596779039
9797796217
01936243233
01936243018
Several agencies, including the army, joined the rescue operation
In addition to the Army, ITBP, CRPF, BSF, NDRF and SDRF, a team of Jammu and Kashmir Police has conducted rescue operations after the incident. NDRF DF Atul Karwal said people were being rushed to the camp. The injured have been airlifted to hospital.
The Prime Minister received information about the rescue mission
Following the incident, PM Narendra Modi held talks with Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Governor Manoj Sinha. He expressed sorrow over the incident and called on the victims to do everything possible to help. Besides, Home Minister Amit Shah said on social media that he had talked to LG Manoj Sinha ji about the flash flood caused by a cloud burst near Baba Amarnathji’s cave and got information about the situation. Saving people’s lives is our priority.
The cloudburst occurred at about 5:30 a.m. when a large amount of water began to flow near the cave. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations.
