12 die in cloudburst near shrine cave
Amarnath yatra temporarily suspended: The cloudburst was first reported at 5.30 pm, police said, adding that some tents and langars were coming under it. Various teams of NDRD, SDRF and even the Northern Command of the Indian Army are currently engaged in the rescue operation.
News agency ANI quoted Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) spokesperson Vivek Kumar Pandey on Friday as suspending the Amarnath Yatra till further orders. The flash floods have claimed 16 lives so far and the death toll is expected to rise as many are still missing.
“The situation is under control, rain is still on…if the weather remains normal and temporary arrangements are made, the yatra may resume tomorrow,” Pandey was quoted as saying.
The cloudburst incident was initially reported at 5.30 pm, Kashmir Police Chief ADG Vijay Kumar said, adding that some langars and tents were suddenly hit by the floods. He said the injured were being airlifted for treatment.
Cloudburst after heavy rain in the upper reaches of Amarnath cave.
Various teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), State Police and other allied agencies are still engaged in rescue operation at the flood site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express grief over the loss of people in the flash flood incident, and said that “all possible assistance” would be provided for the rescue operation and the injured persons.
The Valley authorities have issued helpline numbers of NDRF, Amarnath Shrine Board and Kashmir Division for better assistance in this scenario.
Indian Army personnel have also joined hands with the concerned central agencies to expedite the rescue operation. Quoting the Northern Army Command, ANI reported that six rescue teams have been deployed for the purpose. Helicopters and personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have also been kept ready for the rescue operation.
Amarnath yatra temporarily suspended
