Cloudburst hits Amarnath; Nine killed, rescue operation undergoing

Nine people were reportedly killed as a cloudburst hit near the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday, officials reported. The cloudburst hit the cave area at around 5.30 pm after heavy rains, they said.

Police and other civil administration have launched a rescue operation. The death toll may increase, the officials fear. Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed central forces and Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure swift operations to rescue people affected by the cloudburst.