Srinagar: A major mishap has taken place due to a cloudburst near Amarnath cave in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday evening. Many devotees have been swept away in the heavy rush. So far, 16 deaths have been confirmed. More than 45 people are said to be injured. More than 40 people have also gone missing. Rescue operations are underway in search of them.
Teams of ITBP and NDRF are on the spot. Rescue and relief operations continued till late in the night. The campaign has been speeding up once again since Saturday morning. Search and rescue dogs have also been deployed in the rescue operation. Two search and rescue dogs from Sharifabad have been taken to the holy cave by helicopter. Six pilgrims were rescued this morning as part of the air rescue operation. Medical teams are present at the Nilagarar helipad.
Mountain rescue teams and other teams are on the lookout for the missing people. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is constantly monitoring the situation. He has also briefed the Prime Minister and the Home Minister about the relief and rescue operations. The Lt Governor has informed that rescue operations are on by CRPF, NDRF, SDRF, BSF, Army, Local Police and Shrine Board. All helicopters have been pressed into service to rescue the injured. He said that saving lives is our priority. Instructions have been issued to provide all necessary help to the pilgrims.