Video: Amarnath pilgrim dies in mudslide amid heavy rain, Yatra paused for today
Videos from the incident site, captured by the pilgrims, show the dramatic scenes of a muddy torrent sweeping away two pilgrims. People were seen holding onto the railings installed on the pathways, trying to save themselves. Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) swiftly launched a large-scale rescue operation to evacuate pilgrims trapped between affected stretches. The Indian Army, already stationed at strategic points along the route, played a pivotal role in the rescue efforts, particularly in the northern sector between Brarimarg and Railpathri.To assist pilgrims descending via Domail, two ambulances staffed with doctors, pharmacists, nursing assistants, and first-aiders from the CRPF have been stationed along with a 'May I Help You' desk to provide immediate medical care and assistance.Despite a prior weather advisory predicting intense rainfall, the pilgrimage continued on Wednesday from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. However, in light of the worsening weather and the need for immediate restoration work on damaged tracks, the yatra has been suspended for the day from both Chandanwari and Baltal base camps. No down convoy to Kashmir was permitted from Jammu today, marking the first suspension from the Jammu side this year.YATRA SUSPENDED"Shri Amarnathji Yatra has been suspended for July 17 from both Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. Continuous heavy rains over the last two days have necessitated restoration work to be carried out on tracks along both routes. However, yatris who stayed at Panjtami camp last night are being allowed to proceed down to Baltal with adequate deployment of BRO and Mountain Rescue Teams," Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bhiduri said.The Indian Army provided critical support to stranded pilgrims, sheltering around 500 yatris at Brarimarg and facilitating the accommodation of an additional 3,000 pilgrims in nearby langars. Basic supplies including tea and drinking water were distributed. Notably, Army Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) manually evacuated several critically ill yatris from slide-prone areas, transporting them safely to Rayalpathri for further medical attention.advertisement"The situation is currently stable and under control," said the Camp Director at Brarimarg. Army units remain on high alert with light rain continuing across the affected region.Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed personnel and machinery to repair and restore the disrupted yatra track. According to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bhiduri, yatris who stayed at the Panjtarni camp overnight are being escorted downhill to Baltal with support from BRO and Mountain Rescue Teams.'Subject to weather conditions, the yatra may resume tomorrow,' Bhiduri added.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast periods of heavy rainfall until July 23, warning of possible flash flooding and landslides at multiple locations along the pilgrimage route. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.Since its commencement on July 3, over 2.47 lakh pilgrims have visited the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine. This year's 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 9.- EndsInputs from Ashraf Wani, Sunil Bhatt and Jitendra SinghMust Watch
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