Cloudburst triggers landslide in Kedarnath, nearly 200 pilgrims stranded
Cloudburst triggers landslide in Kedarnath, nearly 200 pilgrims stranded
Sudden Heavy Rainfall Causes Damage and Triggers High Alert
A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath on Wednesday has left nearly 200 pilgrims stranded and caused significant damage to approximately 30 meters of the walkway. The heavy rainfall from the cloudburst also led to a sharp rise in the Mandakini River’s water level.
In response to the cloudburst, a high alert has been issued for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local officials. Authorities are particularly concerned about the safety of the 150 to 200 pilgrims potentially stranded in Kedarnath. Those on their way to the shrine have been advised to stay in safe places until further notice.
The cloudburst also triggered a landslide in the BhimBali stream along the Kedarnath walkway, resulting in the temporary closure of the route for safety reasons. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries have been reported as a result of the cloudburst.
This incident follows days after heavy rain triggered a landslide in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district, which resulted in the washing away of multiple houses and shops. A 42-year-old woman, Sarita Devi, and her 15-year-old daughter, Ankita, were tragically buried under the debris. Rescuers later recovered their bodies from the debris in Toli village. District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit stated that the collapse of a retaining wall behind their house led to the fatal incident.
