Amarnath Yatra is in the news again as there are too many hurdles for the pilgrims. The yatra was resumed on Monday after remaining suspended for three days due to cloudburst at Baltal base camp. We have come to know that at least 17 people died and dozens were injured.
On Monday, the yatra resumed at around 8 am, following a slight delay due to rain. Meanwhile, there are also reports that the area where the tragedy has occurred had received only 75mm of rainfall between 4.30 pm till 7.30 pm on July 8th, which actually was far less than what is required to be categorized it as a cloud burst.
The criteria of the Indian Meteorological Department specifies that a 100mm or more rainfall per hour is termed a cloudburst. But, that day, the rainfall recorded is less than the criteria and it can’t be called a cloudburst.
“Cloudburst, if any, might have occurred at an altitude higher than that of the cave shrine,’’ said Director, J&K Meteorological Centre, Srinagar. Whatsoever, many of the pilgrims were unaware of the situations as they didn’t expect such an eventuality.
According to a witness, the shrine board allowed people move towards the cave and over 10,000 people had gathered in the shrine area by 5.40pm that day. As they were climbing the stairs leading to the holy cave, a gush of water, along with boulders came their way and washed away everything, creating chaos.