JAMMU & KASHMIR, 08 JULY: A storm occurred on Friday near the Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K). 8 people have lost their lives so far and several people have been injured. Rescue operations are currently underway and it is feared that there are other victims in the accident.
The storm occurred following heavy rains in the upper part of the cave.
Here are the latest updates:
According to Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials, the outbreak of the cloud occurred in the lower sacred cave (Amarnath) around 5:30 pm and rescue teams rushed to the scene.
The water hit the base camp outside the sanctuary, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where food is served to pilgrims.
An ITBP official told ANI news agency that the Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily stopped due to the flooding of the area and will resume if the weather remains normal and makeshift arrangements are made. The rain continues, for now, the official added.
Speaking to ANI news agency, Police Director General (ADGP) Vijay Kumar said the injured were flown for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he spoke with Lieutenant General (L-G) of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha about the incident, adding that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.
Union Interior Minister Amit Shah spoke to LG Sinha and tweeted that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and BSF are carrying out the rescue operations.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said he is in constant contact with the J-K administration. “The SDRF and NDRF teams immediately jumped into action to provide all possible relief and assistance,” tweeted Dr. Singh.