New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (July 8, 2022) expressed grief over loss of lives in cloudburst incidents near Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi said that he has spoken to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and took stock of the situation. The Prime Minister said, “Saddened by the cloudburst near Shri Amarnath Cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. Spoke to Manoj Sinha ji and took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief operations are on. All possible help should be provided to the affected. has been.” In a tweet.
Distressed by cloudburst near Shri Amarnath cave. Condolences to the bereaved families. speak to @manojsinha_ And took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief work is on. All possible help is being provided to the affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 8 July 2022
Meanwhile, as per the latest reports, at least 10 passengers were killed, five others injured and several missing after a cloudburst near the Amarnath cave temple this evening, officials said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took note of the situation and said that saving lives is a priority. The Home Minister also spoke to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and said that the rescue work is on.
Amit said, “I have spoken to Jammu and Kashmir’s LG Manoj Sinha regarding the flash floods caused by cloudburst in Amarnath cave. NDRF, SDRF, BSF and local administration are carrying out rescue operations. Our priority is to save lives. have to be saved.” Shah tweeted.
A cloudburst incident occurred in the holy cave area of Amarnath on Friday, resulting in heavy water flow in the ‘nala’ adjacent to the holy cave. According to Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials, a cloud burst in the lower holy cave (Amarnath) around 5.30 pm and rescue teams reached the spot.
The cloudburst was reported around 5.30 pm. The high speed water flow affected many of the tents. Our team is engaged in rescue work. 2 out of our 3 teams are engaged. Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army and ITBP are also engaged. Initial pace low, we will be ready for any situation: NDRF DG A Karwal pic.twitter.com/5SvGf6CDUG— ANI (@ANI) 8 July 2022
IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said, “Some langars and tents in the holy cave have been hit by cloudburst/floods, two deaths have been reported. Rescue operation is on by police, NDRF and SF. Injured are being treated. Airlift is being carried out for the same. The situation is under control.”
A senior ITBP official said that after heavy rains in the upper areas, water came from the top and sides of the cave. The rain has stopped for now. “Some casualties are feared. There is no clarity yet. Rescue teams are on the job,” the official said. Awaiting more details.
(with agency input)