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. Thirteen 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.
An integrated command centre has been put in place under the charge of Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) besides establishing helpline numbers in Anantnag in south Kashmir, Srinagar and Delhi to help the families of those who might have been affected.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also pressed Advanced Light Helicopters into service for rescue operations. 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.
Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir has cancelled all leaves of the staff (Regular/Contractual) and directed them to report to duties immediately. All the officers directed to keep their mobiles switched on.
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