Thirteen people died, and tens of people are still missing after heavy rains lashed Ganderbal in Kashmir, causing flash floods and landslides at the Baltal base camp, located 14 km away from the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine.
The state broadcaster Doordarshan News posted this video of a mudslide in the region.
Located on the banks of the Sindh river and the base of Zojila Pass, the Baltal base camp is steep and difficult to trek but is a closer route to the holy cave. Several pilgrims hire ponies to lessen the burden.
The alternate route from Pahalgam offers a better path for walking and takes 2-3 days to reach the holy shrine. Many tourists prefer this route for its scenic beauty throughout the trek.
President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the tragedy.
Amarnath Yatra suspended
The Amarnath Yatra remains suspended while the rescue operation is ongoing. The pilgrimage was already suspended as recently as a few days ago due to weather conditions.
The National Disaster Response Force helped the pilgrims from a ‘muddy and slippery track’ as recently as July 7.
The Amarnath pilgrimage resumed after three years. The 2019 Yatra was canceled due to the abrogation of Article 370, and the 2020 and 2021 pilgrimages were canceled because of COVID.