INDIA: A devastating landslide has struck the Kedarnath Yatra path, trapping many terrified pilgrims. The landslide occurred near Gaurikund on the Kedarnath yatra path in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Numerous individuals are believed to be buried beneath the wreckage of stores that were demolished by a massive landslide.
Landslide in Kedarnath
The search and rescue effort has been launched by a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Two dead bodies have also been found, SDRF Uttarakhand Police reported on Twitter.
A massive catastrophic incident that occurred in Gaurikund on Friday is projected to bury about a dozen persons in another episode of landslides. A representative of the Rudraprayag disaster management told the media that 10 to 12 persons could potentially be buried or drowned in the landslide.
The officials told the media that the search for the missing people is ongoing. According to Disaster Management Officer Dalip Singh Rajwar, the team received information that three shops had been impacted by falling rocks and severe rain. The search operation got underway right away. There were 10–12 persons there, but their whereabouts have not yet been determined, he stated.
The three shops, which were caught in the grasp of the landslide, suffered heavy damage. There are also reports that it occurred after last night’s tremendous rains close to the Gaurikund post bridge, which triggered the incident.
In the meantime, falling debris has caused the 500-meter stretch of the Gangotri National Highway before Bhatwadi to be closed to traffic since Thursday morning. Gangotri Dham Yatra pilgrims have been troubled by this, as traffic has resulted in disruptions in transportation, which has left them struck on the pathways.
In order to revert the highway back to normal condition, suitable for travelling, the path was cleared out. The falling debris and landslide have also affected several other Uttarakhand routes, blocking the pathways.
In the upcoming days, the state is expected to receive a lot of rain, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. The state is expected to have significant rainfall on Friday, as per weather officials. In most areas of the state, extensive rainfall has been forecast through August 8.
After then, it’s anticipated that the rainfall would lessen for a bit. After August 8, IMD forecasts somewhat widespread rainfall in the area.
Also Read: Deadly Landslide Hits Khalapur in Maharashtra: 16 Fatalities, over 100 Trapped