Amarnath cloudburst: 15,000 pilgrims recused, 16 dead; NCP chief Farooq Abdullah says tents placed at 'risky place

The pilgrims have been shifted to Panchtarni, which serves as the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra.

Media reports said at least 21 injured people were airlifted to Balatal for medical care.

"Sixteen people have been confirmed dead. About 40 still seem to be missing. No landslides have been reported, but there is continuous rain continues, though it is not hampering rescue work. Four NDRF teams with over 100 rescuers in rescue work. Besides, Indian Army, SDRF, CRPF and others continue to rescue," NDRF Director General Atul Karwal was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

AMARNATH, JUL 9 (UNI):- Army personnel carry out the rescue operation at cloudburst affected areas near the Amarnath cave shrine on Saturday.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Srinagar, media reported.

According to the pilgrims present at the site, large rocks and swamps filled the area as the flash flood swept away tents and community kitchens. A stampede-like situation occurred but the army was quick to take control and came to the rescue of the pilgrims, they said, reported media.

Eight casualties were reported within 10 minutes of the incident, another pilgrim said, reported NDTV.

The cloudburst that occurred at around 5:30 pm on Saturday caused flash floods that hit the base camp outside the shrine, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where the pilgrims are served food, according to officials.

AMARNATH, JUL 9 (UNI):- NDRF personnel carry out the rescue operation at cloudburst affected areas near the Amarnath cave shrine on Saturday.

In a matter of two hours, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the area received 31 mm of rainfall,  as per the automatic weather station at the holy cave.

This year's 43-day Amarnath yatra comes after a gap of three years on June 30.

In 2019, the yatra was stopped midway just before the Centre scrapped Article 370 provisions of the Constitution. In 2020 and 2021, The pilgrimage did not take place due to the Covid pandemic.

Meanwhile, J&K National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah said the incident was unfortunate and that an investigation into the matter is necessary.

"We hope the government will say explain what happened and how. The basis on which tents were put up at such a risky place should be investigated. It is the first time tents were placed there. This can be a human error," he told news agency ANI.

"We also hope good compensation would be provided to families of deceased persons," he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to cloud burst near Shri Amarnath Cave and wished speedy recovery for the injured.

The Indian Armed Forces are working in tandem with the civil agencies and carrying out rescue operations to help those who are affected by the tragedy, he added.

The Indian Air Force has pressed its transport and helicopter assets into service for rescue and relief operations at Amarnath. Mi-17V5 helicopters have inducted NDRF and civil administration personnel at Panchtarni and rescued 21 survivors. Aircraft are on standby at all major air bases in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh areas, said media reports.