Tragedy strikes near Shri Amarnath Shrine, 15 dead, 65 injured and more than 35 missing in cloudburst, Yatra temporary suspended
   09-Jul-2022

Shri Amarnath Yatra,
 
 
Fifteen people were killed , sixty five are injured and more than thirty five are reportedly missing after cloudburst near the holy cave shrine caused massive flash floods on Friday evening. The Yatra has been temporarily suspended in view of the tragedy, a decision on its resumption will be taken after rescue operations end.
 
 
Besides the loss of lives, 25 tents and three community kitchens have been damaged so far. The cloudburst occurred around 5:30pm, amid heavy rainfall, after which a part of the base camp was washed away in the subsequent flash flood. A senior ITBP official said that water came from above and sides of the cave after it rained heavily at the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now.
 
 
 
 
NDRF Director General Atul Karwal told that a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was based in the affected area even as two more teams from nearby locations of Barari Marg and Panchtarni have reached there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the incident. Anguished by the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to @manojsinha_ Ji and took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected,” he said in a tweet.
 
  
 
 
 
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said NDRF, CRPF, BSF and local administration were engaged in rescue operations. "Saving people's lives is our priority," Amit Shah tweeted. Union Home Minister directed central forces and Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure swift rescue operations.
 
 
President Ram Nath Kovind said he was distressed to know about the loss of lives in the cloudburst.
 
 
“My condolences to the bereaved families. Relief and rescue measures are in full swing to provide succour to those stranded. I pray and hope that the yatra be soon resumed,” Kovind tweeted.
 
 
LG Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha said, he is closely monitoring the situation and instructed all concerned to provide necessary assistance to the pilgrims. The CRPF is engaged in rescue & relief operations and helping the pilgrims. ALH Choppers pressed into action for rescue of injured. He tweeted in this regard.
 
 
 
 
IGP Kashmir and Divisional Commissioner reached Holy cave early morning to supervise the rescue operations. Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up four helpline numbers where people can get information about the cloudburst.