A cloudburst occurred in the areas around the lower reaches of Amarnath cave at around 5.30 pm on Friday after heavy rains lashed the area. According to reports, rescue operations are underway by the NDRF, SDRF & other associated agencies. Further details are awaited. Water came from above the cave after heavy rains in the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now, ITBP said.

Fifteen people were killed and more than 40 are reported missing after a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, said officials. The yatra has been suspended till further notice.

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At least ten people were confirmed dead, and seven were rescued so far. Officials said that at least 30 or 40 people are still missing.

According to initial reports, some casualties are feared in the Amarnath cave cloudburst. Rescue agencies are on the spot and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel have been rushed to the affected areas along with other agencies. Two have been reported dead so far. 

“Some langars at the Amarnath shrine were affected by the cloudburst. Chopper is rushed to rescue the injured," news agency ANI reported.

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The incident was reported at 5.30pm and rescue operation is currently underway by the NDRF, SDRF and other associated agencies.

Earlier, due to bad weather along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes, no movement of pilgrims was allowed from either side towards the cave shrine and the pilgrims were not allowed to move towards the Valley from Jammu.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2022 07:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).