While several injuries are expected, three people have been rescued alive so far, said NDRF DG Atul Karwal.
IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar has informed that the injured are being airlifted for treatment.
According to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials, the cloudburst occurred at the lower holy cave (Amarnath) at around 5.30. A senior ITBP official said that water came from above and sides of the cave after it rained heavily at the upper reaches. The rain has stopped for now.
The official has informed that the flow of water in the Nallah turned normal after the rain stopped. However, the gushing waters hit the base camp outside the shrine, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens where the pilgrims are served food.
Rescue operations currently are underway by NDRF, SDRF and other associated agencies.
ITBP PRO Vivek Kumar Pandey has said that "the Amarnath Yatra has been suspended till the situation turned normal. Likely to be resume by tomorrow."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to inform that he has taken stock of the situation.
“Spoke to J&K LG Manoj Sinha and took stock of the situation. Rescue and relief operations are underway. All possible assistance is being provided to the affected," wrote the PM.
Union home minister Amit Shah also took note of the situation and said saving the lives of people was on priority.
"I have spoken with Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha pertaining to flash floods triggered by a cloudburst at Amarnath Cave. NDRF, SDRF, BSF & local admin are doing the rescue work. Our priority is to save the lives of people," tweeted Shah.
Earlier, landslides triggered by heavy rain in Ramban district early on Friday morning had caused one-way traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to remain suspended for several hours.
The 270-km highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with rest of the country, was blocked by shooting stones, landslides and mudslides at places.
