Zelensky calls on Western allies to supply Kyiv with additional air defence systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities
europe3 hours ago
Ten people died and several were missing Friday after flash floods triggered by a sudden cloudburst struck a camp near a popular shrine in Kashmir.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the country trek up through Himalayan passes each year to visit the Amarnath shrine, located at an altitude of 3,900 metres (12,800 feet).
At least 10,000 people were assembled near the site when the rains struck, officials said.
Police in Kashmir said 10 deaths had been confirmed and that injured pilgrims had been airlifted to hospital.
Around two dozen tents and three large kitchens that serve free food to the pilgrims were washed away in the deluge, an official from the local disaster management agency told AFP.
"Several are missing and a huge rescue operation is underway," the official added.
The pilgrimage to the shrine is being held for the first time since 2019 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 1996, 243 pilgrims died while travelling the arduous, days-long journey to the shrine when snowstorms hit the area.
Meanwhile, Union Home minister Amit Shah took note of the situation and said saving the lives of people was priority.
He also had a word with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and said that rescue operations were underway.
"I have spoken with Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha pertaining to flash floods triggered by a cloudburst at Amarnath Cave. NDRF, SDRF, BSF & local admin are doing the rescue work. Our priority is to save the lives of people," tweeted Shah.
Informing about the incident ITBP PRO Vivek Kumar Pandey said, "The Amarnath Yatra has been suspended till the situation turned normal. it is likely to resume tomorrow."
According to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials, the cloudburst occurred at the lower cave (Amarnath) at around 5.30pm.
A senior ITBP official said that water came from above and sides of the cave after it rained heavily at the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now.
A team of Central Armed Police Force and the Indian Army acted swiftly and carried out the evacuation operation, which is currently underway.
Zelensky calls on Western allies to supply Kyiv with additional air defence systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities
europe3 hours ago
The hospital's specialist medical team has performed five delicate surgeries during the past two days
world3 hours ago
A helicopter carrying Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog
mena3 hours ago
The accident shut down the port, though temporary channels have allowed some traffic in and out of Baltimore
americas3 hours ago
Nasser hospital in Khan Younis was attacked by Israeli army for over a week in February, saying Hamas was holding hostages there
mena4 hours ago
The President was speaking at a graduation ceremony at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia
americas4 hours ago
Martin Griffiths says battles near the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings in Gaza's south meant the vital routes are effectively blocked
mena4 hours ago
The military launched a crackdown on the Rohingya minority there in 2017 which is now the subject of a United Nations genocide court case
world4 hours ago