kedarnath-landslide-over-1-500-pilgrims-rescued-safely

Around 1,500 pilgrims stranded near Chirbasa on the Kedarnath route were rescued and escorted to Gaurikund after a landslide blocked the stretch late Sunday night. The operation was carried out jointly by teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and District Disaster Response Force (DDRF).

 

The Rudraprayag District Control Room informed Sonprayag Police that pilgrims were trapped on the opposite side of the route, around three kilometres from Gaurikund. The SDRF team from Sonprayag, led by Sub-Inspector Ashish Dimri, immediately moved towards the affected area.

 

Rescuers found debris blocking the route near the Chirbasa helipad. Continuous rockfall from the hillside added to the danger and made movement across the stretch highly risky. SDRF, NDRF and DDRF personnel then coordinated the evacuation while prioritising the safety of the pilgrims.

 

The teams carefully helped the stranded devotees cross the landslide-affected section and brought around 1,500 people safely to the other side before escorting them towards Gaurikund. The operation was completed despite ongoing rockfall and the possibility of further landslides.

 

Heavy rain has led to several landslides and rockfalls in Uttarakhand, disrupting traffic at multiple locations. Earlier on Sunday, falling rocks and debris blocked the Badrinath-Rishikesh National Highway at around 8 am.

 

A large quantity of material had come down from the hillside, leaving many vehicles carrying pilgrims stranded on both sides of the road. Devotees travelling towards Badrinath and Kedarnath faced difficulties as long queues of vehicles built up along the affected stretch.

 

Earlier last week, rescue teams evacuated more than 6,500 pilgrims after a landslide near the Chirbasa helipad on the Kedarnath Yatra route partially damaged the road and prevented a large number of pilgrims from crossing the area.

 

The state government has advised residents and visitors to remain extremely cautious, check weather updates before travelling and comply with safety directions issued by administrative and meteorological authorities.