Amarnath cloudburst: At least 13 people confirmed dead, 5 rescued & 30-40 still missing

July 8: A cloudburst hit near the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday. The cloudburst hit the cave area at around 5.30 pm after heavy rains. At least thirteen people were confirmed dead, and five were rescued so far. Officials said that at least 30 or 40 people are still missing.

The cloudburst triggered flash floods Friday evening that also damaged 25 tents and 3 community kitchens, police officials said. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave.

#WATCH | J&K: Visuals from lower reaches of Amarnath cave where a cloud burst was reported. Rescue operation underway by NDRF, SDRF & other agencies

(Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/o6qsQ8S6iI

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2022

The Prime Minister tweeted : “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.”

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

According to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials, the cloudburst occurred at the lower holy cave (Amarnath) at around 5.30. A senior ITBP official said that water came from above and sides of the cave after it rained heavily at the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now.

#WATCH | J&K: Massive amount of water flowing turbulently after a cloud burst occurred in the lower reaches of Amarnath cave. Rescue operation is underway at the site pic.twitter.com/w97pPU0c6k

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2022