Cloud bursts near Amarnath cave, 10 killed including 3 women, 25 tents blown away; News of 35-40 pilgrims being trapped

There is news of cloudburst near Amarnath cave. The incident happened on Friday evening at 5.30 pm. At the time when the cloud burst, 10 to 15 thousand devotees were present near the cave. In this incident 10 people including 3 women have died. There are reports of 35 to 40 pilgrims still stranded.

The cloudburst occurred within a radius of one to two kilometers from the holy cave. About 25 tents and two to three langars set up for the devotees were washed away by the water that came with a strong current from the mountains. Due to the rain, the entire area was rapidly flooded and many people got affected by it. Several pilgrims are missing and they are feared to be swept away by the strong current.

Many agencies including the army engaged in the rescue
Soon after the incident, the team of Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Army, ITBP, CRPF, BSF, NDRF and SDRF started the rescue. NDRF DG Atul Karwal said that people are being evacuated safely and taken to the camps. The injured have been airlifted to the hospital.

Prime Minister inquired about the rescue mission
After the accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. He expressed grief over the accident and talked about providing all possible help to the victims. At the same time, Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, ‘I have spoken to LG Manoj Sinha ji and inquired about the situation regarding the flood caused by cloudburst near the cave of Baba Amarnath ji. Saving people’s lives is our priority. I wish all the devotees well.