Cloudburst hits Amarnath cave area: Eight killed, rescue operation underway

A cloudburst hit near the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday, officials said.

The cloudburst hit the cave area at around 5.30 pm after heavy rains, they said.

Rescue teams have been pressed for the rescue operation. ITBP teams have teamed up with NDRF, SDRF, police and other civil administration for the rescue operation. A chopper is rushed to rescue the injured from the spot.

Some langars were affected by the gushing waters, the officials said.

At least eight persons were killed in the cloudburst, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens, officials said.

The gushing waters hit the base camp outside the shrine, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where the pilgrims are served food, they said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed central forces and Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure swift operations to rescue people affected in the cloudburst near the base camp of Amarnath holy cave.

Shah said in a Tweet in Hindi that he has spoken to J&K LG Manoj Sinha to take stock of the situation following the cloudburst that struck around 5:30 pm.

"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.

(This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates)