In a devastating turn of events, a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Uttarakhand has resulted in the tragic loss of at least three lives and left eight others injured. The accident occurred near Chirbasa along the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trekking route in the Rudraprayag district, a critical path for pilgrims travelling to the revered Kedarnath temple.
Uttarakhand Landslide Halts Kedarnath Pilgrimage
केदारनाथ यात्रा मार्ग के चीरबासा पर अचानक मलबा आने से दबे यात्री ॥
SDRF, DDRF और YMD रेस्क्यू का कार्य कर रहे है।
घायल और जनहानि की संभावना को कम से कम रखने के प्रयास ॥
जिला प्रशासन लगातार यात्रियों से सुरक्षित जगह रुकने का अनुरोध करता है।#mansoon #chardhamyatra2024 pic.twitter.com/51kK0W6mSK— DM Rudraprayag (@DmRudraprayag) July 21, 2024
The deceased have been identified as Kishore Arun Parate, aged 31, from Nagpur; Sunil Mahadev Kale, aged 24, from Jalna, both in Maharashtra; and Anurag Bisht, from Rudraprayag. These pilgrims were caught in the landslide while making their way to the Kedarnath temple, a significant site in the Char Dham Yatra.
According to NDTV reports, the landslide struck as the pilgrims were navigating a treacherous stretch of the trek, burying them under a massive amount of debris. Rescue operations were promptly initiated by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the District Disaster Response Force (DDRF). Their efforts are focused on locating survivors, providing medical assistance, and clearing the debris to ensure the safety of other travellers.
Rudraprayag’s District Magistrate took to social media to update the public on the situation, emphasising that rescue operations are in full swing and urging travellers to stay in safer areas. The statement highlighted that the administration is making every effort to reduce further risks and casualties.
State Launches Urgent Rescue Efforts
गंगोत्री राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग बिशनपुर सैंज के पास मालवा व पत्थर आने के कारण बाधित है।BRO द्वारा मार्ग को सुचारु करने का कार्य किया जा रहा है। पुलिस टीम मौके पर है। pic.twitter.com/9lNynOGowi
— Uttarkashi Police Uttarakhand (@UttarkashiPol) July 21, 2024
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed profound grief over the loss of lives. In a message shared on social media, he assured the public that relief and rescue operations are being closely monitored. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to ensure that the injured receive prompt and effective medical treatment.
The weather office has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand, according to NDTV, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall for the upcoming days. This alert signals that the region may continue to face severe weather conditions, which could increase the current challenges and lead to more disruptions.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural calamities, especially in regions prone to heavy rain and landslides. As the authorities continue their rescue efforts, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring the safety of those still on their journey.
Cover Image Courtesy: DM Rudraprayag/X and Canva
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