Water inundation in Amarnath: 15 devotees died in the accident, 40 missing, rescue operation continues, army also launched sniffer dogs

The flood caused by cloudburst near the holy cave of Amarnath has caused huge destruction. In this accident, 15 devotees are reported to have died while 40 people are missing. Seven women and 6 men are among the dead. The identity of the two is yet to be ascertained. It is believed that the death toll may increase. An official present at the spot said that around 40 people are missing and five people have been rescued. Around 15,000 pilgrims were shifted to safer places. Is. Due to the flash floods, 25 tents have been destroyed. Also, three community kitchens which were built to provide food to the devotees were also damaged.

Army also launched sniffer dogs with radar

Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the Indian Army. Simultaneously, the work of searching for the missing people is also going on. 2 wall radars and 2 sniffer dogs have been taken to the holy cave. They were taken by helicopter from Sharifabad to the spot for rescue operation.

#WATCH | 2 Through Wall Radars & 2 search & rescue dogs moved to the holy cave for rescue operation via helicopters from Sharifabad #AmarnathYatra pic.twitter.com/sOPlbudWCd

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

The Meteorological Department has forecast that there may be light rain around the Amarnath cave even today. An official of the Jammu and Kashmir administration said that the Amarnath Yatra has been suspended due to the tragedy and a decision to restore it will be taken only after the rescue operation is completed. Amarnath Yatra started on June 3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Atul Karwar said that our three teams i.e. 75 rescue personnel are engaged in the rescue.

31 mm of rain from 4:30 to 6:30

According to officials, the cloud burst at 5.30 pm amid heavy rains and a thick stream of water and silt started flowing towards the valley from the slopes of the mountain. According to the automatic weather station of the cave, 31 mm of rain fell from 4.30 to 6.30 pm. Sonam Lotus, Director, Jammu and Kashmir Meteorological Department said, “There was a very limited cloud over the holy cave. It had rained like this earlier this year. But there was no flash flood.”

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has deployed advanced light helicopters for the rescue operation. Officials said temporary hospitals have been set up at Sonamarg and other places to assist the injured. According to him, helplines have been set up in Anantnag, Sringan and Delhi in South Kashmir to help the affected families. Also an Integrated Command Center has been established under the charge of Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir).

Cloud burst in Doda Gunti forest this morning

At the same time, a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda Gunti forest at around 4 am today caused floods in Thathri town of Thathri. No death has been reported. Due to the cloudburst, many vehicles got stuck in the soil and the highway was also closed, which is being opened.