Uttarakhand Cloudburst Tragedy: 9 Missing, Char Dham Yatra Halted
Uttarakhand Cloudburst triggers landslide in Uttarkashi district, leaving 9 missing. Char Dham Yatra suspended amid red alert and ongoing heavy rainfall.
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Disaster Strikes: 9 Labourers Missing After Uttarakhand Cloudburst
A sudden Uttarakhand Cloudburst early Sunday in the Uttarkashi district caused a devastating landslide near the Silai area on the Yamunotri National Highway. The cloudburst swept away a labourers’ campsite where 19 workers were present. Out of them, 10 have been successfully rescued, while nine are still missing.
The incident occurred around 3 AM, catching the workers by surprise as they were resting at their temporary shelter near an under-construction hotel. According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, this particular location was previously considered a safe zone, with no earlier reports of landslides.
Rescue Operations Underway
Local authorities, backed by multiple teams from the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), and the police, quickly initiated search and rescue operations. Teams are working in difficult conditions with unstable debris, ongoing rain, and the risk of further landslides.
The rescue workers are carefully clearing rocks and mud using manual tools and heavy equipment while maintaining strict safety measures.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been in constant touch with district officials. He has directed them to prioritize rescue and relief work while ensuring that stranded people receive immediate help. The Chief Minister also expressed prayers for the safe recovery of those still missing.
Important Points at a Glance:
- What Happened: Uttarakhand Cloudburst triggered a landslide.
- Location: Silai area, Yamunotri National Highway, Uttarkashi district.
- Casualties: 9 missing, 10 rescued.
- Response Teams: NDRF, SDRF, Police.
- Pilgrimage Impact: Char Dham Yatra suspended for safety.
- Weather Alert: IMD Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall.
Char Dham Yatra Temporarily Suspended
In view of the ongoing heavy rains and landslide threat, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for a day. This decision was made to prevent accidents along the pilgrimage routes that pass through several landslide-prone areas.
The Char Dham Yatra, one of the most sacred journeys in Hinduism, involves visiting four revered shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake this pilgrimage, which usually opens in April-May and concludes around Diwali.
Authorities are closely monitoring the weather and road conditions. The yatra will only resume when the safety of pilgrims can be ensured. Officials have also been asked to prevent overpricing of food and essential items at local shops during this period.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Uttarakhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region for Sunday and Monday. The department has warned of:
- Extremely heavy rainfall
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning at isolated places
Due to the continuing rain, there is a high possibility of additional landslides and flash floods in hilly areas. Residents and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay in safe locations.
Rising Cloudburst Incidents in Uttarakhand
Environmental experts have raised concerns about the increasing number of cloudbursts in Uttarakhand. Some of the contributing factors include:
- Climate Change
- Deforestation
- Unplanned Construction
- Soil Erosion
These factors are making the fragile Himalayan landscape even more vulnerable to natural disasters.
In the past few years, Uttarakhand has witnessed several tragic events:
The 2013 Kedarnath floods
- Cloudbursts in Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh
- Multiple landslides during the Char Dham season
The latest cloudburst in Uttarkashi once again highlights the urgent need for better disaster planning and sustainable development in the region.
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