At least five people were killed in a cloudburst near the Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
A cloud burst near the Amarnath cave on Friday. (Photo: India Today)
At least five people were killed in a cloudburst near the holy cave of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The cloud burst at around 5.30 pm, resulting in a massive inflow of water from near the cave.
A sudden wave of water from the top and sides of the cave, followed by heavy rain in the upper areas, swept away three anchorages. Several tents have also been damaged. At least 4-6 people usually stay in a tent, officials said.
The injured are being airlifted for treatment and according to officials the situation is now under control.
Rescue operations are on by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), national and state disaster response teams and other agencies.
In a tweet, IGP Kashmir said, “Some anchors and tents in the holy cave have been hit by cloudburst/sudden floods. Rescue operation is on by Police, NDRF and SF. Injured are being airlifted for treatment.” The situation is under control.”
Mr . Shocked to learn of the unfortunate cloudburst over the lower holy cave of #Amarnath, I am in constant touch with the UT administration. SDRF and NDRF teams have swung into action immediately to provide all possible relief and assistance.
— Dr. Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) 8 July 2022
According to the latest weather forecast, areas like Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Joji La, Sheshnag, Poshpatri, Panchtarni and Sangam are likely to receive rain today.
Amarnath Yatra was also temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to bad weather.
The annual 43-day Amarnath Yatra began on June 30 from two base camps – Nunwan-Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and 14-km short Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal. So far, more than one lakh pilgrims have offered prayers at the cave temple. , The yatra will end on August 11, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
— the ending —