New Delhi: All the SDMs and Tehsildars have been ordered to remain on high alert in Jammu & Kashmir’s Ramban district in view of possible incidents of cloudburst after a similar incident occurred last night at the holy shrine cave of Amarnath. The cloudburst has claimed 16 lives so far. Many tents, community kitchens near the shrine were swamped with mud and rocks that came hurtling down with a gush of water after a spell of heavy rain.
“In view of cloudburst incidents having been reported in certain districts and overflowing of rivers/streams due to rains, all Sub Divisional Magistrates and their Tehsildars in District Ramban are hereby ordered to remain on high alert,” the notice read.
The rescue operation to evacuate stranded pilgrims is still underway. The India Air Force has sent its transport and helicopter assets into service for rescue. “Mi-17V5 helicopters have inducted NDRF and civil administration personnel at Panchtarni and rescued 21 survivors,” the Indian Air Force said, quoted by news agency ANI.
“The helicopters have also brought back six mortal remains. Further operations by IAF Mi-17V5 and Cheetal helicopters are in progress. Aircraft are on standby at all major air bases in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh areas,” the news agency further quoted.
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.