Amarnath Yatra: how, why cloudburst occurred over cave shrine; IMD's next warning

With tragedy striking the Amarnath Yatra, the Indian Meteorological Department held a "highly localised rain event" reponsible for the death and destruction.

More than a dozen people were killed, and many more missing after a cloudburst occurred on 8 July near the Amarnath cave, a pilgrimage spot in Jammu and Kashmir for Hindus.

The IMD said that 31 mm of rainfall was recorded in the area in just two hours - between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The region above the cave received 28 mm of rainfall in just one hour - between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

Weather scientists said that it was a "highly localised" cloud only over the Amarnath cave and such rain had been seen earlier in the year as well. The Regional Meteorological Centre also warned of the possibility of severe rain in the higher reaches of the mountains near the Amarnath cave.

Also watch: At least 13 people dead, Amarnath Yatra suspended after cloudburst

The Amarnath Yatra, which began on 30 June, has been suspended. It was being held after a gap of 3 years, with the 2019 Yatra being suspended due to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Then in 2020 and 2021, the Yatra was not organised due to the Covid-19 pandemic.