Cloudburst in Amarnath: At least 15 dead, rescue operation underway

In an unfortunate incident at least 15 people lost their lives in a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir. As per the reports, the rescue operation is underway and apprehension is that the death toll might rise.

Immediately after the cloudburst, six rescue teams were launched by the Indian Army. Helicopters were also deployed to accelerate the rescue operation. 

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Amit Shah has ordered the Army and J&K administration to leave no stone unturned in rescuing people affected by the cloudburst near the holy shrine.

Nitishwar Kumar, CEO of Amarnath Shrine Board also assured that the administration and central forces were working hand in hand to save the affected people.

 “Our focus is to rescue the pilgrims and take them to safe places,” Kumar said.

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi also expressed grief over the death of pilgrims due to cloudburst.

“I was very distressed to learn about the tragic death of number of pilgrims on account of cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in J&K”, Sonia Gandhi said.