Kedarnath Route: Over 700 Evacuated Amid Uttarakhand Cloudburst

New Delhi: Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, causing significant damage along the Kedarnath route and leaving many pilgrims stranded. The deluge hit the area on Wednesday night, prompting a large-scale rescue and relief operation. Authorities, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), District Disaster Response Force (DDRF), local police, and administration, have been working tirelessly to evacuate those affected.

The Uttarakhand police reported that 737 people were rescued by helicopter, while an additional 2,670 were safely transported to Sonprayag by Thursday. In an official post on their X handle, they affirmed their commitment to continuing rescue efforts, highlighting the collaborative work of various agencies in ensuring the safety of the stranded individuals.

Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar provided updates on the situation, stating that the ongoing heavy rainfall in the Tehri and Rudraprayag districts had necessitated the suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra for two days. To manage the crisis, 12 NDRF teams and 60 SDRF teams have been deployed. In light of the dangerous conditions, officials have also restricted pilgrim movement on the Yamunotri and Kedarnath trek routes.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an inspection of the affected areas, noting the extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, footbridges, power lines, and agricultural land. He urged all officials to remain vigilant and emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety. The situation remains critical, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the disaster’s impact and ensure the well-being of all travelers and residents in the region.