Torrential rainfall triggered a massive cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, leading to flash floods and widespread disruption across the region. The state continues to reel under relentless monsoon fury as heavy downpours have battered several hill districts, forcing authorities to suspend the revered Kedarnath Yatra until further notice.
According to local reports, the cloudburst occurred late last night in the Mando area of Uttarkashi, resulting in a sudden surge of water levels in streams and rivers. Roads have been washed away, multiple houses have suffered severe damage, and several vehicles were swept off by the gushing waters. Rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to assist with evacuation and relief efforts.
So far, at least six people have been reported missing, and over 200 pilgrims stranded en route to Kedarnath have been safely moved to secure shelters. The Badrinath National Highway has also been blocked due to landslides triggered by the intense rainfall.
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Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation and instructed district officials to remain on high alert. “The safety of every citizen and pilgrim is our top priority. Relief work is being carried out on a war footing. We urge people to avoid travel to high-altitude areas until the weather improves,” he stated.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in multiple districts of Uttarakhand, including Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pauri, and Tehri Garhwal, over the next 48 hours. Residents and tourists have been advised to stay indoors and avoid riverbanks.
The suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra, one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, has come as a significant disappointment to thousands of devotees. However, authorities emphasize that the decision is essential to ensure safety in the face of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions.
As the hill state grapples with the impact of climate change and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the current situation serves as another grim reminder of the urgent need for sustainable development and robust disaster preparedness in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for live updates.