At least 13 people are feared killed and over 40 missing in a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, media reports said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been called in to assist the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in rescue operations, currently underway. Helicopters have been deployed to help the rescue efforts.

The cloudburst, that triggered a flash flood was reported at around 5:30 pm.

A cloudburst refers to heavy rain in a short period of time over a limited geographical area.

“Situation is under control, rains are still going on. Looking at the hazard level, the Amarnath Yatra has been halted temporarily due to the area being inundated. If the weather remains normal and makeshift arrangements are made, then the yatra can be resumed tomorrow,” a spokesperson of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) told the media.

Witnesses reported a sudden wave of water from above and sides of the cave after heavy rain in the upper reaches on Friday. Several tents and structures like community kitchens have been damaged.

The Amarnath Yatra was briefly suspended earlier this week owing to bad weather.

The pilgrimage commenced on June 30 after a gap of two years due to Covid-19. More than 72,000 pilgrims have offered their prayers at the shrine since then.

The yatra is set to end on Aug 11 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.