Amarnath Cloudburst: 16 Killed, 40 Missing So Far. Rescue Operations Underway

On Saturday morning, six people were evacuated by the rescue teams. As per a statement by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 15,000 people have been shifted safely to Panjtarni. 

New Delhi: The tragic incident of a cloudburst at the pilgrim site of Amarnath shrine caves has claimed 16 lives so far while 40 people are said to be missing and the rescue operations are still underway with four teams of NDRF consisiting of over 100 rescuers. "16 confirmed deaths, about 40 still seem to be missing. No landslide, but rain continues, though no problem in rescue work. 4 NDRF teams with over 100 rescuers in rescue work. Besides, Indian Army, SDRF, CRPF & others continue to rescue," NDRF DG Atul Karwal said, quoted by news agency ANI. 

The Indian Meteorological Department on Friday said that the incident of cloudburst was a result of a highly localised rain event, reported news agency PTI. As per weather specialists, the shrine reported 31 mm of rainfall between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm on Friday

"It was a highly localised cloud only over the holy cave. Such rain had happened earlier this year as well. No flash flood," said Sonam Lotus, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, quoted by the news agency. 

The Director further said that  there was a possibility of a severe rainfall event in the higher reaches of the mountain near the cave shrine of Amarnath. 

As per the report, the region above Amarnath cave shrine received 28 mm of rainfall between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm, a scientist from the IMD said.

At least 15 people have been killed and tents and community kitchens near the shrine were swamped with mud and rocks that came hurtling down with a gush of water after a spell of rain.

The rescue operations by teams of NDRF and SDRF to evacuate pilgrims stuck at the site is underway. On Saturday morning, six people were evacuated by the rescue teams. As per a statement by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 15,000 people have been shifted safely to Panjtarni. 

“Most of the pilgrims who were stranded near the holy cave area due to flash floods last evening shifted to Panjtarni. ITBP expanded its route opening & protection parties from lower holy cave to Panjtarni. No pilgrim left on track.About 15,000 people safely shifted,” the ITBP said, quoted by ANI. 

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)