Major landslide hits Kedarnath Yatra route, several feared buried; Rescue operation underway
Following the occurrence of this natural disaster, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has swiftly taken action, commencing a thorough search and rescue mission.
A major landslide struck Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, resulting in injuries to a dozen people and extensive damage to houses and shops. According to officials, there are concerns that 10 to 12 individuals might have been buried or swept away by the landslide. Nandan Singh Rajwar, the Disaster Management Officer for Chamoli District, stated that around a dozen people are feared missing as three shops were washed away into the river due to the landslide near Gauri Kund.
Circle Officer Vimal Rawat informed PTI from the location that despite the commencement of relief and rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, none of the missing individuals have been located so far.
The relief and rescue operations are facing obstacles due to heavy rains and intermittent boulder falls from the hillsides, as reported by the police.
Information is currently being gathered about the missing individuals, including some from Nepal. The following people have been identified as missing: Vinod (26), Mulayam (25), Ashu (23), Priyanshu Chamola (18), Ranbir Singh (28), Amar Bohra, his wife Anita Bohra, their daughters Radhika Bohra and Pinki Bohra, and their sons Prithvi Bohra (7), Jatil (6), and Vakil (3), according to officials.
Gaurikund, which is named after Goddess Parvati, holds significance as both a pilgrimage site and a base camp for treks to Kedarnath Temple. During the monsoon season, the number of pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath shrine has decreased due to concerns about incidents related to heavy rainfall.
