A cloudburst triggered roaring floods near the Amarnath cave, triggering devastation in which at least a dozen people were killed, with several more missing.
The horrific flash floods were caught live by Amarnath pilgrims on their cameras, showing water barrelling towards tents. One video showed water pouring down a gorge, engulfing and sweeping away tents in a matter of moments.
Quoting an official, PTI reported that the Yatra had been suspended and a decision on resumption would be taken after the rescue effort was over. Another official said around 30 to 35 people were missing.
A spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir police said in the evening that eight pilgrims had died in the calamity. But sources put the toll at a dozen and feared the number could rise.
Officials said the cloudburst struck around 5.30pm amid heavy rain, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens meant for the pilgrims.
Several pilgrims from Bengal usually take part in the Yatra. Till late Friday night, the Bengal government had not received word of any casualties from Jammu and Kashmir officials.
The Indian Army’s Northern Command said six rescue teams, including helicopters, had been deployed to evacuate the pilgrims. Teams from the NDRF, ITBP and the J&K police too were helping the rescue efforts.
Official sources said this appeared the biggest weather-related tragedy to hit the pilgrimage in years. The worst tragedy till now was caused by inclement weather in 1996, when more than 200 pilgrims lost their lives.
The cloudburst has struck at a time the administration’s primary focus has been on preventing militant attacks because of increased threats this year.
A top army officer recently said the security force deployment this year was three to four times higher in view of the heightened fears. There has been no militant attack so far.
This is the first Yatra since Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status. The 2019 Yatra was cut short to prevent a backlash, and the pilgrimage was put on hold for the next two years because of the pandemic.
The authorities were expecting a footfall of 8 lakh this year, which could be the highest ever. Around 75,000 pilgrims have so far visited the shrine since the 43-day Yatra began on June 30.