Major Landslide Blocks Kedarnath Yatra Route Due to Heavy Rain, Over 10,000 Stranded Pilgrims Rescued in Overnight Operation
Major Landslide Blocks Kedarnath Yatra Route Due to Heavy Rain, Over 10,000 Stranded Pilgrims Rescued in Overnight Operation
Heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide on the Kedarnath Yatra route in Uttarakhand, leaving thousands stranded before SDRF and NDRF teams launched a massive overnight rescue operation.
A major landslide triggered by heavy rainfall disrupted the Shri Kedarnath Yatra route in Uttarakhand late at night, blocking the crucial Sonprayag-Gaurikund stretch and leaving thousands of pilgrims stranded midway in difficult weather conditions.
The landslide occurred in the Munkatiya area between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, a key route leading to Kedarnath Temple. Officials said continuous rainfall, falling debris, darkness and heavy pilgrim movement made rescue operations extremely challenging in the mountainous terrain.
According to officials, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) received information about the incident from DCR Rudraprayag at around 9:16 PM. Soon after the alert, SDRF teams from Sonprayag, led by Sub-Inspector Ashish Dimri, rushed to the affected area with rescue equipment.
Soon after, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also joined the operation. Rescue personnel worked throughout the night despite unstable weather conditions and continuous debris movement.
श्री अर्पण यदुवंशी, सेनानायक SDRF के निर्देशानुसार मुनकटिया क्षेत्र में भारी बारिश व भूस्खलन के दौरान SDRF एवं NDRF टीमों ने समन्वय के साथ राहत एवं बचाव कार्य चलाते हुए 10 हजार से अधिक श्रद्धालुओं को सुरक्षित निकाला।#sdrfuttarakhandpolice #UttarakhandPolice #KedarnathYatra pic.twitter.com/pfcDZJw5rp
— SDRF Uttarakhand Police (@uksdrf) May 20, 2026
Officials confirmed that more than 10,000 pilgrims were safely evacuated overnight, preventing a larger crisis on the busy pilgrimage route.
Authorities said the coordinated SDRF-NDRF operation played a major role in ensuring the continuation of the Kedarnath pilgrimage despite severe disruption caused by the landslide.
चुनौतीपूर्ण मौसम, अंधेरी रात और भूस्खलन के बीच SDRF बनी हजारों श्रद्धालुओं की उम्मीद। ⛰️
— SDRF Uttarakhand Police (@uksdrf) May 20, 2026
मुनकटिया क्षेत्र में भारी वर्षा से मार्ग अवरुद्ध होने पर SDRF सोनप्रयाग टीम ने SI आशीष डिमरी के नेतृत्व में साहस और तत्परता दिखाते हुए हजारों श्रद्धालुओं को सुरक्षित मार्ग पार कराया। pic.twitter.com/oPb7vbXOJ1
The incident comes at a time when the Kedarnath Yatra route has already been witnessing repeated weather-related challenges, including landslides and fluctuating weather conditions across the higher Himalayan region.
Officials have also warned pilgrims about rapidly changing weather in the valley and advised devotees to follow official advisories before travelling.
Meanwhile, helicopter services to Kedarnath have also reportedly faced repeated suspensions due to unstable weather conditions, especially during afternoon hours.
District authorities said safety remains the top priority and rescue teams, administration officials and emergency personnel remain on high alert across the Char Dham Yatra routes.
Data cited in reports showed that around 55,000 pilgrims are currently visiting the Char Dham shrines daily, with footfall expected to rise further in the coming weeks.
Officials also confirmed that 53 pilgrims have died due to health-related complications since the start of the Yatra on April 19, highlighting the risks associated with high-altitude travel and unpredictable weather conditions in the region.
