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2 killed, 11 missing after cloudburst hits Hindu pilgrimage base camp in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Xinhua, July 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Two people were killed, 11 went missing and over two dozen injured after a cloudburst struck a base camp of Hindu pilgrimage in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said Saturday.

The cloudburst Friday night hit Baltal area near Sonmarg town of district Ganderbal, about 90 km north of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, washing away tents and makeshift shops.

"Last night a cloudburst hit Baltal camp killing two people ( both minors) and injuring 25 others," Ashish Kumar Jha, a spokesman of Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force ( CRPF) told Xinhua. "We are being told 11 people are missing."

Jha said all the 25 people rescued were being provided medical aid and CRPF men deputed in the area were searching for missing ones besides helping pilgrims to shift to safer locations.

Reports said the area received intermittent rainfall during which a cloudburst hit the place and triggered flash floods.

"The water suddenly entered tents and makeshift shops at Baltal Base camp and washed away many of them," Jha said.

Authorities have temporarily suspended the pilgrimage in wake of the cloudburst.

Last week five people were killed in a cloudburst in the district. Endi