The Amarnath Yatra, which began on June 30, has been suspended following the fatal tragedy and a decision on its resumption will be taken after rescue operations get over.
The flash flood triggered by a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir swept away scores of people, killing at least 15 and swamping tents and community kitchens on Friday evening.
At least 15,000 pilgrims have been shifted to the lower base camp, while more than 40 people are still missing, officials said.
The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, or ITBP, continued the rescue operation throughout the night as they looked for missing persons in the cloudburst-affected area at the lower Amarnath Cave site. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent three teams comprising about 75 rescuers, an official said.
Ten army units are involved in rescue operations. Additional dog squads are being flown to the Cave from Sharifabad. Four more injured people were taken in the second sortie to ADS Nilagrar.
Advanced Light Helicopter on standby. Weather opened up slightly enabling the first two helicopter sorties to land at Holy Cave.
Update of Rescue Ops : 090730
Casualties
Fatal : 15 (Female : 07, Male : 06, Not Known : 02)
Non Fat : 65 (2 injured taken out from debris ,alive and being attended to)
Weather
• Opened up slightly, enabling the first two helicopter sorties to land at Holy Cave.
• Light rain at Holy Cave anticipated upto 0930 hours.
Army Rescue Operations
• First military helicopter landed at 0645 hours and second heptr landed at 0715 hours after persistent attempts.
• 11 x Injured yatris have been air lifted to Nilgrar helipad from Holy cave by Army choppers.
Debris clearing and search for missing is expedited.
• Two non-fatal injured recovered from debris in morning.
• Two Rescue Dog Squads, Through Wall Radar, other specialist detachments have reached Holy Cave.
• Military medical teams receiving casualties and patients at Nilagrar helipad.
Situation Update of Area
• Move in valley leading to Holy Cave is minimum due to slippery track.
• Foot yatra temporarily suspended.
Inputs and Pictures – Indian Defence
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
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