At least 13 people dead, Amarnath Yatra suspended after cloudburst

A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir swept away scores of people, killing at least 13 and swamping tents and community kitchens with mud and rocks hurtling down a hillside, police and NDRF officials said.

An official said the Amarnath yatra, which began on June 30, has been suspended following the tragedy and a decision on its resumption will be taken after rescue operations get over.

An official on the ground said about 30-35 people are missing while five have been rescued.

According to the automatic weather station at the holy cave, the area received 31 mm rainfall from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

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

Also watch: 1996 Amarnath tragedy: when over 260 pilgrims were found dead around cave shrine

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.