Cloudburst hits Amarnath cave area: What happened so far?

Ten people died in this incident due to a cloudburst near Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday evening. The cloud burst under the Amarnath cave at around 5.30 pm, NDRF, SDRF and all the agencies concerned are engaged in relief and rescue work on the spot.

Talking to news agency ANI, NDRF DG Atul Karwal said, "Hope the water flow will reduce but we are ready for every situation. According to reports, 10 people have been confirmed dead and three people are alive has been saved."

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, some langars and tents have come in the grip of sudden floods due to cloudburst. On the incident of cloudburst near Amarnath cave, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and inquired about the situation.

Amit Shah tweeted and wrote that the local administration is engaged in rescue work and saving lives is our priority.

•  After heavy rainfall, the cloudburst reportedly struck the cave region at around 5.30 pm, the officials said.
• Ten people have been killed in a cloudburst, while many are injured.
• In response to several langars being impacted by the gushing waters, police and other civil administration have initiated a rescue effort, the officials said.
• The rescue operations by NDRF, SDRF and other agencies are underway at the lower reaches of Amarnath cave.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar, said that two deaths were reported after some langers and tents came under cloudbursts and flash floods at the holy cave.

He said that the injured persons are being airlifted for treatment while the situation is under control.

“Some langars and tents have come under cloud burst/flash floods at #HolyCave. 02 deaths were reported. #Rescue operation by Police, NDRF & SFs in progress. Injured being airlifted for treatment. #Situation under #control. IGP Kashmir,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

The Kashmir Zone Police has tweeted that the injured have been airlifted for treatment. The National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Indian Army and other associated agencies have swung into action and rescue operations are on.

The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority reported at least 10 casualties. A downpour incident took place in the area of ​​the holy cave of Amarnath on Friday which resulted in a heavy discharge of water in the 'Nallah', adjoining the holy cave.

According to Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials, the cloudburst occurred in the lower holy cave (Amarnath) around 5:30 p.m. and rescue teams rushed to the scene. Earlier, IGP Kashmir reported that up to two people have died so far.

"Some langars and tents have been affected by cloudburst/flash flooding in Holy Cave, two fatalities reported. Rescue operation by Police, NDRF and SF in progress. Injured being airlifted for treatment. Situation under control," said IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. A senior ITBP official said the water was coming from the top and sides of the cave after it rained heavily in the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now.

A team from the Central Arms Police Force and the Indian Army acted quickly and carried out the evacuation operation, which is currently underway. The official reported that the flow of water in the Nallah was normalized after the rain stopped. "Some victims are feared. There is no clarity at the moment. Rescue teams are working," the official said.

• A cloudburst refers to particularly heavy rain in a short period of time over limited geographical area.

• The Amarnath Yatra was briefly suspended earlier this week due to bad weather.

• The pilgrimage began this year on June 30 after a 2-year Covid gap.

• More than 72,000 pilgrims have offered their prayers at the shrine since then.

• Amarnath Batal cloud burst: 10 Yatris die, over 40 missing

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