Kedarnath Yatra Halted as Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides

The Kedarnath yatra was halted in Rudraprayag district on Thursday due to massive landslides on the Sonprayag-Munkatiya-Gaurikund route triggered by incessant overnight rains, an official familiar with the matter said.

- Ajay Ramola

MUSSOORIE:

Omkar Pandey, executive engineer PWD NH division, said that the road between Sonprayag-Munkatiya-Gaurikund was blocked at multiple locations due to massive landslides triggered by overnight rains that began around 5:30 am. "As a precautionary measure, the yatra was temporarily stopped. Pilgrims returning from Kedarnath who were stranded due to the blockade were evacuated by NDRF, SDRF, DDRF, and police teams using ropes and other equipment," he said.

He further said that following the extensive road blockade, the Rudraprayag administration authorities swiftly evacuated 1,269 pilgrims who were returning from Kedarnath shrine. This included 833 men and 436 women, all of whom were safely brought to Sonprayag by 11 am.

"Two JCB machines were deployed to clear the debris. After a challenging effort lasting over three hours, the road was cleared and reopened by 11 am. It was first opened for pilgrims on foot, and then for pilgrims traveling in vehicles all the way to Gaurikund," Pandey said.