Rescue operation after a cloudburst that hit near the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Amarnath on Friday | PTI Photo
Srinagar- At least fifteen people were killed and over forty went missing after a cloudburst hit the mountain cave shrine of Amarnath near Baltal in central Kashmir triggering flash floods sweeping away pitched tents and community kitchens erected for the yatris during the 43-day pilgrimage.
The cloudburst struck around 5.30 pm Friday amid heavy rainfall, reports said.
The gushing waters hit the base camp outside the shrine, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where the pilgrims are served food, officials said.
15 persons were killed in the incident even as police, army and NDRF personnel launched a rescue operation, the officials said.
An NDRF team was already there while two more teams are being rushed, they added.
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.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed central forces and Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure swift rescue operations.
Shah said in a Tweet in Hindi that he has spoken to J&K LG Manoj Sinha to take stock of the situation.
“NDRF, CRPF, BSF and local administration are engaged in the rescue work. Saving people’s lives is our priority. I wish all the devotees well,” the minister said.
Sinha said he is closely monitoring the situation and instructed all concerned to provide necessary assistance to the pilgrims.
“Deeply pained by unfortunate incident of cloudburst at Shri Amarnathji holy cave, in which precious lives have been lost. I send my heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Rescue operation by NDRF, SDRF, BSF, Army, JKP & Shrine board admin is in progress,” he tweeted.
PM Modi Anguished Over Loss, LG Monitoring Situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the cloudburst near the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, and said all possible assistance is being provided to the affected.
At least 15 people were killed in the cloudburst Friday evening, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens, officials said. The cloudburst struck around 5.30 pm amid heavy rainfall, they said.
“Anguished by the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to @manojsinha_ Ji and took stock of the situation,” Modi said in a tweet.
“Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected,” he said.
The gushing waters hit the base camp outside the shrine, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where the pilgrims are served food, officials said.
Meanwhile Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Friday briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah about the loss of lives in a cloudburst near the Amarnath cave shrine.
The LG spoke to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed them about the incident and on-going rescue operation, an official spokesperson said. He said that the centre is extending all the assistance.
“Our priority is to save the lives of people. Instructions have been issued to provide all necessary assistance to pilgrims. I am closely monitoring the situation”, the LG said.
Sinha, the spokesperson said expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic incident.
“Deeply pained by the unfortunate incident of cloudburst at Shri Amarnathji holy cave, in which precious lives have been lost. I send my heartfelt condolences to bereaved families”, the LG added.
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