Amarnath cloudburst: J-K Administration sets up helpline; rescue operation continues

PTI

New Delhi, July 8

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday set up a helpline for the Amarnath Yatra, which has been suspended after a cloudburst near the holy cave left 10 persons dead and scores of others missing.

The Lt Governor administration and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) gave out four telephone numbers where people can get information about the cloudburst.

 Helpline numbers:

NDRF:

011-23438252

011-23438253

Kashmir Divisional Helpline:

0194-2496240

Shrine Board Helpline:

0194-2313149

 General public has been advised to contact following telephone numbers for any kind of assistance.

Joint Police Control Room Pahalgam

9596779039

9797796217

01936243233

01936243018

Police control room Anantnag

9596777669

9419051940

01932225870

01932222870

"Focus of administration is on rescue operation with NDRF, SDRF, JKP and other teams in action," the administration added.

At least 10 persons -- mostly pilgrims -- died after a cloudburst struck the holy cave area in south Kashmir Himalayas around 5.30 pm and damaged three langars and 25 pilgrim tents.

Scores of persons have been reported missing as a massive rescue operation has been launched by various government agencies.

Meanwhile, an official of the union territory administration said the Amarnath yatra has been suspended for the time being in view of the tragedy.

A decision on resumption of the pilgrimage will be taken after rescue operations are completed, he added.