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Nearly 200 pilgrims are stranded in Kedarnath following a cloudburst that triggered a landslide in the region. On Wednesday, the severe weather event caused significant damage to about 30 meters of the walkway leading to the Kedarnath shrine. The cloudburst also led to a sharp increase in the water level of the Mandakini River, raising concerns for the safety of the pilgrims. A high alert has been issued for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local officials to manage the situation. The landslide has rendered the Kedarnath walkway impassable, prompting its temporary closure due to safety reasons. Despite the severe disruption, no fatalities or injuries have been reported so far. Authorities are actively working to ensure the safety of the 150 to 200 pilgrims stranded in the area, advising those en route to the shrine to remain in safe locations.
The current situation follows recent heavy rains in Uttarakhand that have caused multiple landslides. Just days before, a landslide in the Tehri district resulted in the destruction of several houses and shops. Tragically, a 42-year-old woman and her teenage daughter were buried under debris in that incident. Additionally, on July 29, a group of 21 Kanwariyas, who were returning from Gangotri, became stranded in the rain-affected Tehri district. They lost their way and were stuck at Jhala, approximately 3 kilometers from Budhakedar. SDRF Sub-inspector Dipak Joshi led the rescue operation, which was challenging due to the dark, rainy conditions and damaged roads. All stranded Kanwariyas were safely rescued and transported to the Budhakedar bus stand, where arrangements for their food and lodging have been made. The ongoing heavy rains have severely impacted infrastructure in the region, with numerous roads damaged by landslides over the past few days. Emergency services are working around the clock to address the crisis and ensure the safety of those affected.
