Deadly Cloudburst Strikes Amarnath Shrine: At Least 8 Killed, Dozens Missing
Sudden Flood Devastates Pilgrimage Camps
A brutal cloudburst near the holy Amarnath cave shrine in India-administered Kashmir has left at least eight dead and many more missing. The torrential rain struck suddenly, sending a deadly wall of water crashing down a mountain gorge, sweeping away around two dozen tents and makeshift kitchens.
At the time, around 10,000 pilgrims were trekking through the rugged terrain. “Within 10 to 15 minutes, the force of the water was such that it swept away the tents,” revealed Vivek Pandey of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. “At least 20 to 25 tents were washed away.”
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
The region’s disaster management authorities have launched an urgent search for dozens still missing. Kashmir police chief Vijay Kumar confirmed eight bodies have been recovered so far, with sources suggesting the death toll could rise to 13 as rescue efforts continue.
“In the flash flood, some tents and community kitchens were washed away,” Kumar stated. Emergency crews are combing the area amid fears many pilgrims remain trapped.
PM Modi Expresses Anguish Over Tragedy
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his sorrow. He said he was “anguished” by the incident and called for speedy relief efforts to support those affected.
The Sacred Amarnath Yatra Under Threat
The Amarnath cave, nestled at 3,900 metres (12,800 feet), is a revered Hindu shrine where thousands worship the naturally formed ice stalagmite, or Lingam, seen as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This year’s pilgrimage was expected to attract around a million devotees after being postponed for two years due to the pandemic.
Worshippers usually reach the cave via a three-day trek from the south through Pahalgam or a one-day route from Baltal in the northeast. Some also fly in by helicopter to shorten the journey.
