The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives due a cloudburst near the Baltal base camp of the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday (July 24, 2015).

In his message to Shri N.N. Vohra, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the President has said "I am saddened to learn about the flash floods triggered by the cloudburst yesterday near the Baltal base camp of the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. I understand some persons have lost their lives including two children, others are injured and many are missing. Rescue as well as search operations are currently underway.

I call upon the State Government and other agencies to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured.

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons”.

This release issued at 2000 hrs.