Cloud burst at Baltal; two dead, 10 injured, several missing

 

Fayaz Bukhari

Srinagar: Two persons were killed and 10 injured while seven are missing after cloud burst struck near the Baltal Base camp of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in Sonmarg area of district Ganderbal last night washing away tents, shops.

Reports said that the cloud burst hit the hills near the Baltal leading to flash floods. The water in no time entered the tents and shops at Baltal Base camp and washed them away.

Two dead bodies have been recovered and the dead have been identified as Pooja, 13, daughter of  Prakash resident of Rajasthan and Vikram, 12, son of Kailash of Rajisthan.

 

A Srinagar based Defence spokesman said that  army has launched a massive rescue operation and shifted 780 persons to Army camp and 1500 Yatris to Bhandras.

 

The spokesman said army launched massive rescue mission to save Amarnathji Yatris trapped in landslide at Balatal. “Landslide at three places betn Baltal gate and Rangamor. Search of the area commenced BY 19 GARHWAL unit. One Quick Reaction Team of 24 RR has reached Sonamarg alongwith Engineering party from Gagangir. Work at landslide and as well as site where road has got blocked near fishpond commenced”, he added.

 

The missing persons are:Maiser Ahmed son of Yaqub resident of Sophiyan, Anil Sahu, resident of Indore (MP),  Ashaq Sahid Mir, son of Qadir Mir, resident of Kangan, Reyaz Ahmed Lone son of Mohamnad Sultan, resident of Kangan, Mustaq Ahmed,  son of Abdul Rehman, resident of Reasi, Ramdevi, wife of Kailash, resident of Rajasthan, Fayaz Ahmed Mir, son of Nadiruddin R resident of Kupwara.

The spokesman said that Lt Gen Subrata Saha, Chinar Corps Commander along with Chief Engineer rushed to Baltal to review the situation.

ENDS