Srinagar, 9th July 2022: The floods caused by cloudbursts near the holy cave of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir have caused huge destruction. In this accident, 15 devotees died and 40 people are missing. Seven women and 6 men are among the dead. The identity of the two is yet to be ascertained. It is believed that the death toll may increase.
An official present at the spot said that around 40 people are missing and five people have been rescued. Around 15,000 pilgrims were shifted to safer places. Due to the flash floods, 25 tents have been destroyed. Three community kitchens which were built to provide food to the devotees were also damaged.
The army also launched sniffer dogs with radar
Relief and rescue work is being carried out by the Indian Army. Simultaneously, the search for the missing people is going on. 2 wall radars and 2 sniffer dogs have been taken to the holy cave. They were taken by helicopter from Sharifabad to the spot for rescue operation.
The Meteorological Department forecasted that there may be light rain around the Amarnath cave even today. An official of the Jammu and Kashmir administration said that the Amarnath Yatra has been suspended due to the tragedy and a decision to restore it will be taken only after the rescue operation is completed. Amarnath Yatra started on June 3. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Atul Karwar said that our three teams i.e. 75 rescue personnel are engaged in the rescue.
It rained 31 mm from 4:30-6:30
According to officials, the cloud burst at 5.30 pm amid heavy rains and a thick stream of water and silt started flowing
from the slopes of the mountain towards the valley. According to the automatic weather station of the cave, 31 mm of rain fell from 4.30 to 6.30 pm.
Sonam Lotus, director of the Jammu and Kashmir Meteorological Department, said, “There was a very limited cloud over the holy cave. Such rainfall was witnessed earlier this year. But there was no flash flood.”
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has deployed advanced light helicopters for the rescue operation. Officials said temporary hospitals have been set up at Sonamarg and other places to assist the injured. According to them, helplines have been set up in Anantnag, Sringan and Delhi in South Kashmir to help the affected families. Also, an Integrated Command Center has been established under the charge of the Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir).
A cloud burst in Doda Gunti forest this morning
Another cloud burst in Doda Gunti forest of Jammu and Kashmir causing floods in town of Thathri at around 4 am today. No death has been reported. However due to the cloudburst, many vehicles got stuck in the soil and the highway was also closed, which is being opened.