Dehradun, Uttarakhand:A devastating landslide triggered by a cloudburst in Uttarkashi district early Sunday has left nine labourers missing and forced authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra for a day as heavy rainfall batters the region.
The incident occurred near an under-construction hotel in the Silai area along the Yamunotri National Highway, where a camp housing 19 labourers were struck by falling debris in the pre-dawn hours. Ten workers have been rescued, while search and rescue teams are racing against time to locate the missing nine.
“A new landslide zone has emerged where such incidents never happened before. It was believed to be a safe zone,” said Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya in a statement.
The cloudburst hit around 3 am, washing down heavy debris that directly impacted the camp. Authorities have deployed teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police to assist in rescue efforts.
Chief Minister Monitors Situation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that he is in constant contact with local authorities and has prayed for the safety of all those affected. He also ordered strict checks against overcharging for food items, a common issue during natural disasters.
Char Dham Yatra Halted
In response to the dangerous weather conditions, the Char Dham Yatra — one of India’s holiest pilgrimages — has been suspended for a day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Sunday and Monday, predicting extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in several parts of Uttarakhand.
Pilgrimage in Peril
The Char Dham Yatra — covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — attracts lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad every year. The yatra operates for six months and usually begins in April–May, concluding post-Diwali as the Himalayan passes become inaccessible due to snow.
This disruption highlights the region’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather, raising fresh concerns about infrastructure and emergency preparedness in ecologically sensitive zones.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities monitor the weather and road conditions closely.