Cloudburst kills 15 in Amarnath, pilgrimage suspended

Cloudburst claimed 15 lives near the cave area of Amarnath on Friday. Another 40 pilgrims were feared missing. Following this, the pilgrimage was suspended till the situation returns to normal.

“A cloudburst incident took place at the holy cave area of Amarnath which resulted in a heavy discharge of water in the ‘Nallah’. The cloudburst occurred at the lower holy cave (Amarnath) at around 5.30 PM, adjoining the holy cave,” according to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials.

Union Home minister Amit Shah took note of the situation and said saving the lives of people was on priority. The home minister also had a word with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and said the rescue was underway. “I have spoken with Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha pertaining to flash floods triggered by a cloudburst at Amarnath Cave. NDRF, SDRF, BSF & local admin are doing the rescue work. Our priority is to save the lives of people,” tweeted Shah.

Informing about the incident, ITBP PRO Vivek Kumar Pandey said, “the Amarnath Yatra has been suspended till the situation turned normal. Likely to be resume by tomorrow.”

“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,” Pandey said.

Earlier, IGP Kashmir said, “Some langars and tents have come under cloud burst/flash floods at Holy Cave, two deaths reported. Rescue operation by Police, NDRF & SFs in progress. Injured being airlifted for treatment. Situation under control,” said IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.

A team of Central Armes Police Force and the Indian Army acted swiftly and carried out the evacuation operation, which is currently underway.