Cloud burst occurs near holy Amarnathji shrine; 15 dead, 40 feared missing so far

Jammu: 15 killed, over 40 missing after cloudburst near  Amarnath cave  . Casualties likely to increase  as rescue operation continue. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Indian Army, CRPF and J&K Police on the job with Anantnag district administration.

A cloudburst occurred near holy Amarnathji shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Water came from above and sides of the cave after heavy rains at the upper reaches. Police said that some langers and tents have come under cloud burst flash. As per a police spokesman, eight casualties have been reported so far. He said that rescue operation by Police, NDRF and other security forces is in progress and injured are being airlifted for treatment. The spokesman said that the situation in the area is under control. Further details are awaited.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah talked with Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha regarding the flash flood caused by a cloudburst near the cave of Amarnath. In a tweet Mr. Shah said, the rescue work is being done by the teams of NDRF, CRPF, BSF and local administration at the spot. He said, saving people’s lives is the priority of the government.