Jammu and Kashmir: Around 15 died and more than 40 were feared missing after a cloudburst occurred near the holy cave of Amaravati in Jammu and Kashmir. President Ram Nath Kovind extended condolences to the families of the bereaved taking to Twitter.
During the rescue operation launched immediately, the injured were airlifted and further activities in the area were suspended until further notice. Army helicopters have been engaged to shift wounded to the hospital, the source further added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. PM Modi also spoke to Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and took stock of the situation.
The centre has assured all possible help after a briefing of the situation by the J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. “The situation is under control, rains are still going on. Looking at the hazard level, the Amarnath Yatra has been halted temporarily due to the area being inundated. If the weather remains normal and makeshift arrangements are made, then the yatra can be resumed tomorrow,” said the spokesperson of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police or ITBP.
The Amarnath Yatra was briefly paused earlier this week amidst the bad weather.