Eight dead as cloudburst hits near Amarnath cave area, rescue operation on

SRINAGAR: At least eight persons were killed in a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas Friday evening, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens, officials said.

The cloudburst hit the cave area at around 5.30 pm after heavy rains, they said.

#WATCH | J&K: Rescue operation underway at lower reaches of Amarnath cave where a cloud burst was reported. Two people dead so far pic.twitter.com/0pwry9gkJt

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2022

The gushing waters hit the base camp outside the shrine, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where the pilgrims are served food, they said.

Five persons -- three women and two men -- were killed in the incident even as police, Army and ITBP personnel launched a rescue operation, the officials said.

Police and other civil administration have launched a rescue operation as some langars were affected by the gushing waters, the officials said.

A massive amount of water flowing turbulently after a cloud burst occurred in the lower reaches of Amarnath cave, claimed reports.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirms that he is "in constant touch with the UT administration. The SDRF and NDRF teams have promptly swung into action to provide all possible relief and assistance."

Meanwhile, Union Home minister Amit Shah said, "I have spoken with J&K 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."

While, Vivek Kumar Pandey, PRO, ITBP said, "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."

(With inputs from agencies)