12 killed, 25 injured in Amarnath camp as cloudburst triggers flash flood

At least 12 persons were killed and 25 injured in a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst that hit a camp near the Amarnath cave shrine in J&K’s Ganderbal district on Friday, officials said.

The cloudburst occurred around 6 pm, and the flash flood washed away a part of the camp with officials estimating that at least 25 tents were hit.

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Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) K Pandurang Pole told The Indian Express: “At least 12 persons have lost lives at the camp, and 25 are injured and receiving treatment. The routes from both Anantnag and Ganderbal are open. The yatra has been stopped overnight as per routine.”

Pole said communication and electricity supplies at the camps are functional. “The camp accommodates approximately 3,000 people. The incident took place around 6 pm when the majority of pilgrims were either on the trek or proceeding for dinner,” he said.