Deadly Cloudburst Strikes Amarnath Pilgrimage, At Least 13 Feared Dead
A sudden, violent cloudburst near the holy Amarnath cave shrine in India-administered Kashmir has claimed at least 13 lives. Dozens more are missing after torrential rains unleashed a wall of water that swept away tents and makeshift kitchens used by pilgrims.
Torrential Floods Wreck Camps Amid Thousands of Pilgrims
The disaster struck on Friday when a flash cloudburst sent a surge rushing through a gorge close to the revered Hindu mountain cave. Around 20 to 25 tents and two community kitchens were obliterated in mere minutes as floodwaters tore through the camps.
“Within 10 to 15 minutes, the force of the water was such that it swept away the tents,” said Vivek Pandey of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. “Many tents were washed away; we have information that at least 20 to 25 tents were washed away.”
At the time, an estimated 10,000 pilgrims were making the arduous trek in the mountains, braving rugged terrain and unpredictable weather.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time to Find Missing Pilgrims
Kashmir police chief Vijay Kumar confirmed eight bodies had been recovered so far, with rescue efforts ongoing. An anonymous official told reporters the death toll had risen to 13 with five more bodies found.
The region’s disaster management teams are desperately searching for several missing people amid fears the toll could climb higher.
PM Modi Expresses Anguish as Pilgrimage Faces Tragedy
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences, saying he was “anguished” by the tragic loss of life during the pilgrimage.
The Amarnath cave shrine attracts hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees every year. Pilgrims worship the naturally formed ice stalagmite known as the Lingam—believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration.
This year, authorities expected up to a million people to embark on the 43-day pilgrimage, held at a staggering altitude of 3,900 metres (12,800 feet). The procession was postponed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Worshippers typically reach the cave via two routes: a three-day trek through Pahalgam hill resort or a quicker, one-day route through Baltal. Helicopter services are also available for those seeking faster access.
