A cloudburst around 5.30 pm near the Amarnath holy cave shrine has killed 15 people. Over 40 people were reported missing. The water came from above and sides of the cave in a flash flood after it rained heavily at the upper reaches.
A cloudburst is a very heavy rain spell that takes place in a short period over a limited area.
The yatra has been suspended till further notice, reported NDTV.
The community kitchen and tents near the shrine were washed away. The security forces launched an immediate rescue operation. The difficult terrain made rescue efforts complicated.
A spokesperson of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police told NDTV that the situation is under control. Rain is still going on and the hazard level is still critical.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation. Army helicopters have been dispatched to move the injured to the hospital.