SRINAGAR: In the Amarnath cave shrine cloudburst, media reports said the death toll has reached 10 as 40 others are missing. The toll is likely to go up.
“Ten people were killed and 40 are reported missing after a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday,” NDTV reported quoting officials.
“Situation is under control, rains are still going on. Looking at the hazard level, the Amarnath Yatra has been halted temporarily due to the area being inundated. If the weather remains normal and makeshift arrangements are made, then the yatra can be resumed tomorrow,” it quoted a spokesperson of the ITBP saying.
The injured are being airlifted for treatment. Three pilgrims have been rescued alive. The operation is still on and the pilgrimage has been stopped. The flashflood has seriously impacted parts of the track that lead to the cave shrine.
Officials have not spoken so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was “anguished” by the cloudburst. “Condolences to the bereaved families,” Modi said. “Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected.”
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has expressed his deep sense of grief over the tragedy that occurred due to a cloudburst near Amarnath Cave today causing the death of at least five pilgrims.
“My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in a tragic cloud burst at Amarnath cave. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace. I pray for the safety of all the pilgrims and those who are around, assisting them,” a statement said. “In this hour of grief, we stand in solidarity with bereaved families, and pray for the safety of the rest of the pilgrims.”
