At least fifteen people will killed in a cloudburst today near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir today. Rescue operations are underway. A cloudburst is an extreme amount of rain in a short period of time, sometimes accompanied by hail and thunder, which is capable of creating flood conditions.
An official of the union territory administration said the Amarnath yatra, which began on June 30, has been suspended following the tragedy and a decision on its resumption will be taken after rescue operations get over.
An official on the ground said about 30-35 people are missing while five have been rescued.
Here are the updates on the Amarnath cloudburst:
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Anguished by the cloudburst: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was "anguished" and offered "condolences to the bereaved families."
"Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected," he added.
Indian Army launches 6 rescue teams
The Indian Army had launched six rescue teams including helicopters to help Amarnath Yatra pilgrims affected by the cloudburst.
Amarnath cloudburst: Amit Shah directs agencies to undertake swift rescue ops
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed central forces and Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure swift operations to rescue people affected in the cloudburst near the base camp of Amarnath holy cave.
Amarnath cloud burst: Death count goes up to 9
Rescue officials say that nine bodies have been recovered after the cloudburst near the Amarnath cave today.
Amanarth cloudburst hit around 5.30 pm
The cloudburst hit the cave area at around 5.30 pm after heavy rains, officials said.
Rescue operations underway
Rescue operation are underway by the National Disaster Response Force or the NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force or SDRF. Other agencies too have joined the effort.
Amarnath cloudburst updates: Casualties feared, say security forces
Some casualties feared, no clarity as of now. Rescue teams are on the job. ITBP teams are in the rescue operations along with other agencies: ITBP