Men are carried on stretchers as workers cope with the aftermath of the flood.

Most people have been moved to the base camp below for safety (Image: AFP/EPA/Reuters)

During the annual religious pilgrimage in India, floods killed, injured and evacuated dozens of people.

Every year, thousands of Hindus visit the Amanas Cave Sanctuary in the Kashmir region.

They love lingams. Lingams are natural stalagmites believed to be the incarnation of Shiva, the god of destruction and rebirth.

The ice caves are covered in snow throughout the year, except during the short summer months when they are open to pilgrims.

Some 15,000 people visited the mountain this year after the covid pandemic canceled the trip for the past two years. This year’s pilgrimage began on June 30 and was supposed to last 43 days.

However, the trip was canceled last night after torrential rains (short-lived extreme rain) caused severe flooding.

Rescuers are still counting the death toll (Image: EPA)

The flood completely destroyed the camp where the pilgrims were staying (Image: Reuters)

The numbers are not yet final as ambulance staff are still working to keep everyone safe, but the death toll is currently at 15.

Dozens of injured have been taken to hospital and at least 40 are reported missing.

Most hikers move to the lower mountain base camp since the original camp was completely destroyed.

The flood washed away 25 tents and 3 community kitchens.

People stand outside the tent after torrential rain near the sacred Amanas Cave Shrine in Kashmir.

An estimated 15,000 people will be on the mountain this year (Image: Reuters)

Rescuers take part in a scene of torrential rain hitting pilgrims near Holy Amanas cave along the Baltar route in Kashmir, India.

The Prime Minister said all resources are being used to save people (Image: EPA)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “suffering” from the disaster and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

He said he confirmed that “as much help as possible” would be provided.

As a rule, the trip ends on August 11, when there is a full moon. Hindus believe that the moon represents Shiva, who reveals the secrets of the creation of the universe.

It is not clear if he can continue this walk. Pilgrimages are often a dangerous journey due to bad weather and frozen mountains.

In 1996, thousands of people were trapped in a snowstorm while hiking, resulting in the deaths of more than 250 people.

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