Amarnath Flash Floods: Emergency Helpline Numbers Issued, Yatra Suspended For Now

Amarnath Cloudburst Update: Several pilgrims are missing after a cloudburst near the Amarnath cave shrine on Friday evening caused flash floods.

Rescue operation underway following a cloudburst that hit near the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Amarnath

Source : PTI

The government on Friday issued emergency helpline numbers following the cloudburst that happened in the lower reaches of the Amarnath cave in J&K. More than 13 pilgrims were killed and around three dozen missing as several tents were washed away due to flash floods, J&K DGP Dilbag Singh told IANS.

The helpline numbers for contacting the NDRF are 011-23438252 and 011-23438253. For contacting the Kashmir Divisional Helpline and Shrine Board Helpline, the numbers are 0194-2496240 and 0194-2313149 respectively.

At least three langars (community kitchens) and 25 Yatri tents were washed away in flash floods. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed for rescue operations. A senior ITBP official said that water came from above and sides of the cave after it rained heavily at the upper reaches.

Meanwhile, the Amarnath Yatra has been suspended till the situation returns to normal, Vivek Kumar Pandey, PRO, ITBP, told ANI.

"Situation is under control, rains are still going on. Looking at the hazard level, the Amarnath Yatra has been halted temporarily due to the area being inundated. If the weather remains normal and makeshift arrangements are made, then the yatra can be resumed tomorrow," Vivek Kumar Pandey said.

J&K LG Manoj Sinha said he was closely monitoring the situation and instructed all concerned to provide necessary assistance to the pilgrims.

WATCH | Flash Floods Sweep Away Several Tents Of Pilgrims In Lower Reaches Of Amarnath Cave

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed central forces and Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure swift rescue operations.

"NDRF, CRPF, BSF and local administration are engaged in the rescue work. Saving people's lives is our priority. I wish all the devotees well," Amit Shah tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the incident.

"Anguished by the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to LG Manoj Sinha and took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected," PM Modi tweeted.