The Army and civil administration have launched a massive operation to evacuate stranded people in Sonamarg area of Kashmir while efforts are afoot to restore vital Srinagar-leh national highway.
Four people died when massive cloudburst triggered landslides in Zoji la mountain pass near Baltal last weekend. The landslides hit a portion of Baltal Base Camp for Amarnath Yatra. Dozens of vehicles, kiosks and makeshift huts were either washed away or buried under slush and boulders.
Minister for Roads and Buildings Altaf Bukhari on Sunday visited the cloudburst hit area to monitor rescue and relief operations. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal told the Minister that four people, two from Rajasthan and one each from Shopian and Delhi, lost their lives while 12 others were wounded. The Army was also called in for the rescue operation to evacuate stranded pilgrims, coolies and labourers from the area.
General Officer Commanding, XV Corps lt Gen Sabrata Saha, who also visited the affected areas said that people stuck in landslides prone areas have been evacuated and inujred were shifted for medical treatment.
Cloudbursts have been hitting parts of Kashmir over the past three weeks. The local meteorological department has predicted more rains this week.
The Deputy Commissioner said a portion of Sonamarg-Baltal road at Neelgrat that was damaged and blocked has been restored and cleared for traffic. He assured that the road blocked at Fish Point in Sonamarg would be restored shortly.
Talking to the people and Yatris, the Minister assured that the Government shall extend every possible help to the affected people. He said that ex-gratia relief would be provided to the deceased and affected as per the SDRF norms.