Amarnath cave cloudburst LIVE updates: Amarnath yatra suspended till further notice, rescue operations on as over 30 still missing

Amarnath cave cloudburst LIVE updates: Around 30-35 people are missing while five have been rescued after a cloudburst triggered flash floods near Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir.

Pic Courtesy: ANI

New Delhi: At least 14 people were killed after a cloudburst struck near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir on Friday evening (July 8). This triggered flash floods that damaged 25 tents and three community kitchens. As per an official around 30-35 people are missing while five have been rescued, PTI reported. Chief Operating Officer of the Amarnath Shrine board said that the rescued pilgrims were being taken to safe places and NDRF teams and Indian Army helicopters were deployed to help the pilgrims. 

"One NDRF team is always deployed near the holy cave, it immediately engaged in the rescue work. One more team has been deployed & another is on its way. 10 casualties reported so far; 3 rescued alive," NDRF DG, Atul Karwal said.

CEO of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has shared the helpline numbers for the family members of the devotees who undertook the Amarnath Yatra. 

Stay tuned to Zee News for the latest updates on Amarnath Shrine cloudburst

08 July 2022

23:44 IST

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also pressed Advanced Light Helicopters into service for rescue operations. (PTI)

23:40 IST

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha briefs PM Modi, Amit Shah

"Spoke to Hon'ble PM & Hon'ble HM and briefed about the incident. Hon'ble PM & Hon'ble HM has assured all the help. Our priority is to save the lives of people. Instructions have been issued to provide all necessary assistance to pilgrims. I am closely monitoring the situation," the J&K LG said in a tweet. 

"The CRPF is engaged in rescue & relief operations and helping the pilgrims. ALH Choppers pressed into action for rescue of injured," he added. 

23:37 IST

Amarnath cave cloudburst 

As of now 13 dead and 48 injured. 6 teams are involved in the rescue operation. Two additional medical teams also sent. 2 Search and Rescue Dog Squads with one each from Pattan and Sharifabad being inducted by Air to Panjtarni and onward to holy cave: Indian Army (ANI)

23:35 IST

As of now, over 40 people are injured and 13 dead. We've made all arrangements here for the injured. Till now, we've not received any patients here. 28 doctors, 98 paramedics and 16 ambulances are present here. SDRF teams also present: Dr A Shah, CMO Ganderbal, J&K (ANI)

#AmarnathCloudburst | As of now, over 40 people are injured & 13 dead. We've made all arrangements here for the injured. Till now, we've not received any patients here. 28 doctors,98 paramedics,16 ambulances are present here. SDRF teams also present: Dr A Shah, CMO Ganderbal, J&K pic.twitter.com/XGJTfozoJ1

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2022

23:32 IST

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoles death in Amarnath cloudburst incident:

"I was very distressed to learn of the tragic death of a number of pilgrims on account of a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in J&K."

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," she added. (PTI)

23:29 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses dismay over the cloudburst incident:

Anguished by the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to @manojsinha_ Ji and took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected.

Anguished by the cloud burst near Shree Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to @manojsinha_ Ji and took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

23:28 IST

Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) rescue work under progress after a cloud burst occurred in the lower reaches of the Amarnath Cave. (ANI)

#WATCH | Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) rescue work under progress after a cloud burst occurred in the lower reaches of the Amarnath Cave

(Source: J&K Police) pic.twitter.com/ianHJKVxFD

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2022

23:27 IST

Rescue operations on

Indian Army launches six rescue teams including Army helicopters for aid of Yatris in Cloudburst affected area at lower Amarnath Cave site: Northern Army Command (ANI)

23:26 IST

Nitishwar Kumar, CEO of Amarnath Shrine Board on cloudburst incident:

This is an unfortunate incident. Our focus is to rescue the pilgrims and take them to safe places. NDRF helpline numbers are active. Rescue work is underway. Army helicopters are also in action. Search operation is on. (ANI)

23:24 IST

Rescue operations on in cloudburst hit area at the lower Amarnath Cave site. A total of 10 Army rescue teams with Army Dogs continue rescue operations. (ANI)

#WATCH | Rescue operations are being carried out in cloudburst affected area at the lower Amarnath Cave site

A total of 10 Army rescue teams with Army Dogs continue rescue operations.

(Source: Northern Command, Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/NZlcu3BmdO

— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2022

23:22 IST

Emergency helpline numbers are active in view of the cloudburst. 

NDRF: 011-23438252, 011-23438253

Kashmir Divisional Helpline: 0194-2496240

Shrine Board Helpline: 0194-2313149

23:20 IST

Amarnath Yatra has been suspended till further notice. (ANI)