Amarnath cloudburst LIVE updates: J&K LG meets injured Amarnath pilgrims at Srinagar Hospital

Credits: IANS

Amarnath cloudburst LIVE updates: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday visited SKIMS hospital in Srinagar to enquire about the health of pilgrims who were injured in Friday`s incident of cloudburst at Amarnath holy cave. A cloudburst incident took place at the holy cave area of Amarnath on Friday (July 8) which resulted in a heavy discharge of water in the 'Nallah', adjoining the holy cave.

According to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials, the cloud burst occurred at the lower holy cave (Amarnath) at around 5.30 pm following which rescue teams were rushed to the spot. 16 people were killed and over 48 others injured. Keeping the urgency and criticality of the situation in mind, the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir cancelled all leaves of the staff (Regular/Contractual) and directed them to report to duties immediately. 

Injured patients are being taken care of at all three base hospitals: Upper Holy Cave, Lower Holy Cave, Panjtarni and other nearby facilities en route to the holy cave.

09 July 2022

22:18 IST

Amarnath cave cloudburst update

"4 Mi-17V5 & 4 Cheetal helicopters of the Indian Air Force were deployed for rescue & relief efforts at the Amarnath shrine today. Air assets continue to be on standby at all major air bases in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh areas," says IAF. "Cheetal helicopters delivered 3.5 tonnes of relief material & evacuated 45 survivors. Mi-17V5 helicopters delivered 9.5 tonnes of relief material & evacuated 64 survivors. They also brought back 7 mortal remains," IAF added.

19:55 IST

J&K LG Manoj Sinha chairs high-level meeting to review ongoing rescue op at Amarnath cave

Rescue & relief operation is in full swing. Teams from Army, Air Force, CAPFs, NDRF doing a commendable job to clear debris within shortest time. I request Yatris to stay put in camps. We're trying our best to restore the Yatra at the earliest: Office of J&K LG

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

17:22 IST

IAF presses helicopters in Amarnath cloudburst relief efforts

Indian Air Force (IAF) has pressed its transport and helicopters into service for rescue and relief operations after a cloudburst incident near the cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir. 

17:21 IST

Place facts about Amarnath tragedy before country: Yashwant Sinha to govt

The Opposition's joint candidate for the presidential election Yashwant Sinha on Saturday expressed anguish over the lives lost due to a cloudburst near the Amarnath cave shrine and urged the government to place facts about the incident before the country. "I express deep anguish over the loss of life in the Amarnath tragedy. We don't know exactly how many people have been killed but it seems that many lives have been lost," the former Union minister said. "It is our duty that we try to bring out the truth. The government should place facts about the tragedy before the nation and not hide anything," Sinha said.

17:20 IST

17:20 IST

Farooq Abdullah calls for probe into Amarnath tragedy

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said the government should order an inquiry to ascertain how tents and community kitchens were set up in a highly-vulnerable area close to the Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, which was hit by flash floods on Friday. "We are hopeful that the government will form an inquiry commission to know how it happened and why it happened," Abdullah told reporters. 

17:19 IST

J&K LG meets injured Amarnath pilgrims at Srinagar Hospital

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday visited SKIMS hospital in Srinagar to enquire about the health of pilgrims who were injured in Friday`s incident of cloudburst at Amarnath holy cave. The Lt Governor met the doctors treating the injured and impressed for all possible treatment for their speedy recovery. The Lt Governor went around the wards where injured were receiving treatment, and enquired about their well-being.

17:17 IST

Amarnath cloudburst: No report of Kannadigas affected so far, says CM

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said there has been no report of any untoward incidents related to Kannadigas so far, following the flashflood triggered by a cloudburst near the cave shrine of Amarnath where the death toll has risen to 16. He said the Karnataka government has taken steps to rescue people from the State stranded in Amarnath. According to the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), as of now, there are details of around 350 yatris in groups hailing from Karnataka spread in various locations of the yatra route.

17:16 IST

Three from Rajasthan among pilgrims killed in Amarnath 

At least three pilgrims from Rajasthan were among those killed in a flash flood near the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, an official said on Saturday. The deceased have been identified as Mohanlal, Sunita Wadhwa and Sushil Khatri, all from the Sri Ganganagar district, a Disaster Management and Relief Department official said.

15:20 IST

Rescue operation underway at Amarnath cave

As of now, 15 people have died in the incident. 

Jammu & Kashmir | Rescue operation underway at Amarnath cave where a cloudburst occurred, yesterday. As of now, 15 people have died in the incident#AmarnathCaveCloudBurst pic.twitter.com/jUmWym4vNl

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

15:13 IST

Kedarnath Yatra has been stopped in the wake of heavy rains from Sonprayag onwards keeping in view the safety of the pilgrims amid fears of untoward incident: Rudraprayag district administration

13:54 IST

Amarnath news: LG Manoj Sinha visits patients

J&K LG Manoj Sinha visits SKIMS Srinagar to enquire about the health of pilgrims who were injured in yesterday's incident of cloudburst in the lower reaches of #Amarnath cave pic.twitter.com/zg8onABiTb

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

13:49 IST

Amarnath updates: Severely injured shifted to Srinagar

"So far 28 injured patients have arrived out of which some severely injured have been shifted to Srinagar. A total of 8 choppers including Air Force and Army helicopters are in use for the rescue," said Lt Col Sachin Sharma.

12:56 IST

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami speaks to about 12 people from the state who are stuck in the cloudburst affected Amarnath, J&K.

12:55 IST

Amarnath updates: Pilgrims express their gratitude to Indian Army.

#WATCH | Baltal: People who were safely evacuated from #Amarnath cave to Panjtarni, Sangam base, appreciated the efforts of Indian Army pic.twitter.com/KpxmXCXzRX

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

12:54 IST

Amarnath update: Indian Air Force carries out rescue operations

The Indian Air Force has pressed its transport and helicopter assets into service for rescue and relief operations at Amarnath. Mi-17V5 helicopters have inducted NDRF and civil administration personnel at Panchtarni and rescued 21 survivors, the Indian Air Force was quoted by ANI. The IAF added, "The helicopters have also brought back six mortal remains. Further operations by IAF Mi-17V5 and Cheetal helicopters are in progress. Aircraft are on standby at all major air bases in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh areas."

12:02 IST

So far 16 bodies have been recovered even as the rescue operation continues.

#WATCH | Bodies being taken from BSF Kashmir HQs in Srinagar to Police headquarters. (Source: BSF)

So far 16 bodies have been recovered. Rescue operation continues pic.twitter.com/4UObQWoFkg

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

11:26 IST

Addressing the issue of cloudburst, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "People of Uttarakhand are also stuck in (the cloudburst- affected areas of Amarnath), we are making all efforts to rescue them. I would also request Union Home Minister and their LG (Manoj Sinha) to make all possible arrangements to rescue them."

11:16 IST

Rescue operations continue in affected areas.

#WATCH | Rescue operation in progress in the cloudburst-affected areas in #Amarnath, J&K

(Source: Chinar Corps- Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/bzMHNpnqCc

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

10:50 IST

BSF MI 17  took off from Nilgrath helipad with 8 dead bodies at 10.17 am, and it will land at BSF helipad Humhama from where the dead bodies will be taken to PCR for embalming, officials said.

10:07 IST

Amarnath update: Devotees share experience

Devotees who had gone to visit the Amarnath cave just before the cloudburst shared their experiences. "We saw the clouds bursting in front of us. We were all watching when the rain came. Around 5.30 we left, and suddenly there was a loud sound. We are all lucky that we came back after having darshan. All this happened right after the darshan, all the tents were washed away.

09:51 IST

Cloudburst near Amarnath cave: Latest update

Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen ADS Aujla reaches the cloudburst-affected areas near Amarnath cave where the rescue operations are underway.

#WATCH | J&K: Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen ADS Aujla reaches the cloudburst-affected areas near #Amarnath cave pic.twitter.com/RIzIJI2ZHN

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

09:18 IST

Amarnath cloudburst: People injured 

Major Pankaj Kumar, Nodal Medical Officer, Northern Route spoke on evacuation and rescue operation that continues in the cloudburst-affected areas. He was quoted by ANI as saying, "About 10 patients were there, 2 received head injuries, 5 have fracture and 2-3 cases of hypothermia have been reported."

09:16 IST

Amarnath updates: Around 30-40 people are still missing, says PRO, ITBP

"Rescue operation has been intensified, around 30-40 people are still missing. The weather is clear near Amarnath cave. The injured people have been brought to base using helicopters. Yatra is still on hold & we're advising people not to move ahead," said Vivek Kumar Pandey, PRO, ITBP.

08:58 IST

Amarnath update: Stranded pilgrims moved

At least 15,000 pilgrims, who were stranded near the Amarnath holy cave in Jammu and Kashmir due to a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst, have been shifted to the lower base camp of Panjtarni, an ITBP spokesperson said on Saturday.

08:56 IST

Army personnel reach Nilgrar, Baltal to evacuate the affected in the aftermath of the cloudburst incident which was reported, early this morning.

J&K | Army personnel reach Nilgrar, Baltal to evacuate the affected in the aftermath of the cloudburst incident which was reported, early this morning pic.twitter.com/EL07NvzKsA

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

08:55 IST

SSP Doda Abdul Qayoom said that today (July 9) at around 4 am, "a cloudburst was reported at Gunti Forest uphills of Thathri Town. No casualties were reported. Some vehicles were stuck and the highway was blocked for some time, but it has now been restored for the movement of traffic."

Doda, J&K | Today at around 4 am, a cloudburst was reported at Gunti Forest uphills of Thathri Town. No casualties were reported. Some vehicles were stuck and the highway was blocked for some time, but it has now been restored for the movement of traffic: SSP Doda Abdul Qayoom pic.twitter.com/wuXYIH845z

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

08:54 IST

Indian Army troops have created drinking water facilities for the pilgrims present in the cloud burst-affected areas near the Amarnath holy cave site.

J&K | Indian Army troops have created drinking water facilities for the pilgrims present in the cloud burst affected areas near the Amarnath holy cave site.

Visuals from last night. pic.twitter.com/3q4waMXZGh

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2022

08:52 IST

Amarnath update: IAF Mi-17 helicopters have taken off from Srinagar

Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopters have taken off from Srinagar to join the rescue operations at the Amarnath cave site. The aircraft has been on stand-by since morning but could not take off due to bad weather in Srinagar and adjoining areas, said IAF officials. (ANI)

07:56 IST

Amarnath update: Pilgrims share horrifying tales

Deepak Chouhan, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi told ANI, "A stampede-like situation happened there, but Army supported a lot. Many pandals were washed away due to the water." Another pilgrim Sumit from Maharashtra said, "the floods triggered by the cloudburst carried a large number of stones with it. We were two kilometres away from the cloudburst site." Another pilgrim said, "When the cloudburst took place, we could not believe it. After a while, we only saw water and water. We were a group of seven to eight people, by Bholenath's grace, we all got saved. However, we all had a harrowing experience as we witnessed people and bags swept away with the water."

(ANI inputs)

07:55 IST

Amarnath update: Fresh batch of pilgrims leave from the Jammu base camp 

A fresh batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims left from the Jammu base camp for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir. "We are heading towards the Pahalgam camp and are hoping that yatra will resume. We pray to Baba Bholenath to protect all the pilgrims," said a pilgrim.

07:52 IST

Amarnath cloudburst update: PM Modi expresses anguish

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the 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," he said in a tweet.

07:51 IST

'I wish all the devotees well': Amit Shah

Amarnath latest update: Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the central forces and Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure swift rescue and relief. Shah said in a Tweet in Hindi that he has spoken to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take stock of the situation. "NDRF, CRPF, BSF and local administration are engaged in the rescue work. Saving people's lives is our priority. I wish all the devotees well," the minister said.

07:50 IST

Amarnath update: People scamper to safety

Videos showed water running through the tents and people scampering to safety carrying gas stoves and blankets. A group of rescuers was seen digging the earth with bare hands as they gingerly looked for survivors under the rock-and-mud debris.

07:48 IST

Amarnath cloudburst update: 'Localised cloud over the holy cave'

The cloudburst that occurred around 5.30 pm dumped copious rain and thick streams of sludge rolled down the mountain slopes into the valley. According to the automatic weather station at the holy cave, the area received 31 mm rainfall from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. "It was a highly localised cloud only over the holy cave. Such rain had happened earlier this year as well. No flash flood," said Sonam Lotus, director of J&K's meteorological department.

07:47 IST

A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir swept away scores of people, killing at least 13 and swamping tents and community kitchens with mud and rocks hurtling down a hillside, police and NDRF officials said.