The meteorological department thinks that the catastrophe on the way to Amarnath on July 8 may have been due to heavy rains in a very small area and not cloudburst. At least 40 pilgrims are still missing after the disaster. The death toll has risen to 16 since August 8. The army has embarked on a large-scale operation to rescue the pilgrims. Army officials said it was one of the most important peacekeeping operations in the country.
Opposition presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha on Saturday said the government should inform the people about the Amarnath disaster. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah demanded an investigation.
After heavy rains in the vicinity of Amarnath cave on Friday afternoon, the camp in front of the cave was washed away and the Harpa flood hit the base camp of Baltal. According to meteorologists, the incident took place as a result of cloudburst and rain. However, Sonam Lotus of the Jammu and Kashmir Meteorological Department later said that the catastrophe was probably due to heavy rains in a very small area. The Indian Meteorological Department also said on Saturday that it may not have rained in Amarnath due to cloudburst. Because, when the clouds break, there is supposed to be a lot more rain.
Report from Army General
After the accident on Friday, various forces including the army went to the rescue. Lieutenant General ADS Aujla of Army’s China Core, Vijay Kumar, IG, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir visited the spot to inspect the rescue operation. Vijay Kumar said most of the pilgrims rescued from Baltal have been shifted to Panchatarani area. According to Atul Karwal, DG, National Disaster Response Force, it is raining even if it does not collapse. However, the rescue operation was not disrupted.
Comments of executive officers
Many fear that people may still be trapped under the rubble of the camp. Modern equipment and sniffer dogs are being used to search for the missing. In the words of CRP DG Kuldeep Singh, “The critically injured have been airlifted to Srinagar. The most important thing now is to find everyone present at the scene.”
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a high-level meeting on Saturday to look into the situation. The administration has decided to monitor the condition of the water bodies in the area by air. However, the disaster did not crack the morale of Amarnath passengers. 6,000 pilgrims also arrived in Jammu on Saturday. According to them, what happened is very sad. But they have no fear. Anantjit brought his wife and daughter from Tripura. He said, “I have come here in the name of Shiva. No one will be able to stop me from visiting him.“ Crowds were also seen at the counter set up in Jammu to record the journey. Activities are also going on in the base camp. Opposition presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha went to the Valley on Saturday to seek the support of Kashmiri parties in the presidential election.