At least 15 yatris were killed while over 40 others are missing after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst hit the Holy Cave area of Shri Amarnathji on Friday.

The cloud burst occurred at around 5:30 p.m. and triggered flash floods enroute the cave shrine. More than two dozen tents and three langers were washed away by the floods. Some other tents were also affected due to the gushing waters, officials said. While a few persons were rescued, 40-50 people are said to be still missing, sources said. “So far, 15 bodies have been found and at least 5 of them are females” a senior NDRF official told

Soon after the calamity struck, members of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) along with teams of police, army, ITBP, BSF and other forces started a massive rescue operation. When this report was filed, they were continuously working at the spot to find out the missing.

Sources said that rescue operation shall continue throughout the night to find out any survivors.

Footage sourcded from local operational NDRF team.