The joint rescue operations, undertaken by the personnel of the ITBP, NDRF, Indian Army & others continued overnight and is still trying to find the missing bodies.
Srinagar: A day after a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst swept away scores of people near the cave shrine of Amarnath, joint rescue teams of Indian Army, Air Force, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and others has safely shifted nearly 15000 pilgrims to lower base camps. The death toll rose to 16 while efforts are still on to trace 40 people who are still missing. Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir government has issued helpline numbers where people can get more information about the pilgrims and the incident.
The flood has left many tents soggy and the community kitchens had to be shifted. Several devotees have been shifted to the lower base camp. The joint rescue operations, undertaken by the personnel of the ITBP, NDRF and Indian Army continued overnight and is still trying to find the missing bodies.
NDRF DG Atul Karwal had early morning said, “16 confirmed deaths, about 40 still seem to be missing. No landslide, but rain continues, though no problem in rescue work. 4 NDRF teams with over 100 rescuers in rescue work. Besides, Indian Army, SDRF, CRPF & others continue to rescue.”
Indian Air Force also tweeted, “Following the unfortunate cloudburst near the Amarnath shrine cave, #IAF helicopter and transport aircraft have commenced operations to airlift #NDRF personnel to the site and rescue the pilgrims.”
Tweeting his condolences, President Ram Nath Kovind said, “I am distressed to learn that a cloudburst near Amarnath shrine has claimed several lives. My condolences to the bereaved families. Relief and rescue measures are in full swing to provide succour to those stranded. I pray and hope that the yatra be soon resumed.”