Doda, J&K: Cloudburst Near Amarnath Shrine:16 Dead, still Many Missing

editor July 08, 2022 0

New Delhi: About 15,000 pilgrims have been moved to safety from near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath after a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst swept away scores of people, killing at least 16. More than 40 people are still missing, officials said.

At least 16 people have been killed and many are feared missing following a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The cloudburst took place at around 5:30 PM, resulting in heavy discharge of water near the cave shrine.

Doda, J&K | Today at around 4 am, a cloudburst was reported at Gunti Forest uphills of Thathri Town. No casualties were reported. Some vehicles were stuck and the highway was blocked for some time, but it has now been restored for the movement of traffic: SSP Doda Abdul Qayoom pic.twitter.com/wuXYIH845z
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

A sudden wave of water from above and sides of the cave, after heavy rain in the upper reaches, washed away three langars. Several tents have also been damaged. At least 4-6 people generally stay in a tent, said officials.

The harmed are being carried for treatment and concurring to authorities, the circumstance is presently beneath control.

Rescue operations by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), national and state disaster groups and other organizations are underway.

Jammu & Kashmir | Rescue operation underway at Amarnath cave where a cloudburst occurred, yesterday. As of now, 15 people have died in the incident#AmarnathCaveCloudBurst pic.twitter.com/jUmWym4vNl
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took stock of the circumstance and said different organizations are engaged within the rescue work. Saving people's lives is our need. I wish all the devotees well, he said.