NewKerala.com

Key Points

A landslide near Junglechatti on the Kedarnath Yatra route killed two pilgrims and left one missing. Rescue teams rushed to the scene as CM Dhami ordered immediate relief efforts. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall, raising landslide risks. This tragedy follows a recent helicopter crash in Gaurikund that claimed seven lives.

Key Points: Kedarnath Yatra Tragedy as Landslide Kills 2 Pilgrims in Uttarakhand

  • Deadly landslide strikes Kedarnath Yatra route near Junglechatti
  • Rescue teams including SDRF and NDRF deployed
  • CM Dhami expresses grief, orders relief measures
  • IMD issues orange alert for heavy rain in Uttarakhand
2 min read

Two killed, one missing after boulder rolls down on pilgrims on Kedarnath Yatra route

Two dead, one missing after boulders hit Kedarnath Yatra route in Rudraprayag. CM Dhami orders relief as rescue teams respond.

"Chief Minister has directed the district administration to provide immediate medical aid to the injured. – CM Pushkar Dhami’s Office"

Rudraprayag

, June 18 (IANS) At least two people were killed, one remains missing, and three others, including a woman, were injured after large boulders rolled down from the mountaintop near Junglechatti ghat along the Kedarnath Yatra trekking route in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 11.20 a.m. Wednesday, when a landslide sent boulders crashing onto the pathway, striking pilgrims, porters, and palanquin operators amid heavy foot traffic on the sacred trail, rescue officials said.

Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the police swiftly reached the site to begin evacuation and medical assistance.

According to Sector Officer Bhim Bali, one more person is feared missing, and search operations are underway.

"The Rudraprayag Police, local police units, and DDRF teams responded immediately and managed to rescue the injured. The woman sustained minor injuries, while two seriously injured men were referred to the Gaurikund health centre for further treatment," a police spokesperson said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident and also directed the administration to provide immediate relief assistance.

"Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami has expressed grief over the landslide incident on the Kedarnath walking route. He has prayed to God for the peace of the souls of the departed and the speedy recovery of the injured. Chief Minister has also directed the district administration to provide immediate medical aid to the injured and refer them to a higher centre if required," his office said in a post on X.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several parts of Uttarakhand, warning of heavy rainfall.

Authorities have urged pilgrims and residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay alert to the risks of floods and landslides in the affected zones.

The latest tragedy comes just days after a helicopter crash near Gaurikund claimed seven lives. Among the victims was a 23-month-old child.

The chopper, en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, crashed into a forested area and burst into flames.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Very tragic news. Every year we hear about such incidents during the Char Dham Yatra. The government needs to invest more in infrastructure and safety measures. These are our sacred places but they're becoming death traps due to negligence. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Heartbreaking! Just completed the yatra last month and saw how risky some stretches are. The authorities should limit the number of pilgrims during monsoon season. Nature's fury is unpredictable in the mountains. My prayers for the victims' families.
A
Amit S.
Why aren't there proper shelters along the route? After so many years, we still haven't learned from past tragedies. The SDRF teams are doing great work, but prevention is better than cure. Need better geological surveys before yatra season.
N
Neha T.
So sad to hear this news. Just last week the helicopter crash and now this. Uttarakhand is becoming dangerous for pilgrims. Maybe we need to rethink how we conduct these yatras - safety should be priority number one. Har Har Mahadev 🙏
S
Sanjay P.
The government must implement stricter regulations for yatra operators. Many palki walas and porters work in dangerous conditions without proper safety gear. This is not just about landslides but overall worker safety. Jai Baba Kedarnath!
M
Meena R.
My heart goes out to the families. The mountains are beautiful but dangerous. Maybe pilgrims should be given proper training before undertaking the journey. We Indians often underestimate nature's power in our spiritual enthusiasm.
V
Vikram D.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50