More than 10,000 pilgrims were stranded on the Kedarnath yatra route late Tuesday after a landslide blocked the Sonprayag-Gaurikund highway in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district amid continuous rain. The landslide struck near Munkatiya around 9 pm during the peak pilgrimage season, as erratic weather continues to affect the Char Dham routes.
Rescue Operations Underway
Pilgrims were left stranded on both sides of the affected stretch. Falling debris and adverse weather conditions initially slowed rescue efforts. However, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local authorities mobilized quickly. SDRF commandant Arpan Yadhuvanshi confirmed that approximately 10,450 pilgrims were rescued and moved across the affected stretch.
Debris Cleared, Traffic Normalized
District magistrate Vishal Mishra stated, "A minor landslide occurred ahead of Gaurikund on Tuesday night. Earth movers were deployed, and most of the debris was cleared by last evening itself. Traffic movement is now completely normal." The highway, a key artery for the yatra, has been reopened, allowing pilgrims to continue their journey.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of pilgrimage routes in the Himalayas during the monsoon season, with landslides and flash floods posing recurring threats. Authorities have advised pilgrims to stay alert and follow weather updates.
