NEW DELHI, July 8: At least four people have been reported killed in a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
The cloudburst was reported from the lower reaches of Amarnath cave around 5.30 P.M. causing heavy damages to community kitchens and tents along the yatra route.
Rescue operation are underway by NDRF, SDRF and other associated agencies, Joint Police Control Room, Pahalgam said.
“Some casualties feared, no clarity as of now. Rescue teams are on the job. ITBP teams are in the rescue operations along with other agencies,” the Indo-Tibetan Border Police sources said.
In a statement the ITBP said water came from above the cave after heavy rains in the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now, they added. Witnesses reported a sudden wave of water from above and sides of the cave after heavy rain in the upper reaches. Helicopters are being used to rescue people and the injured are being airlifted for treatment.
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. The yatra is set to end on August 11 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
More details of the incident are being awaited.
(Manas Dasgupta)