Cloudburst Tragedy In Uttarkashi: 9 Missing, Char Dham Yatra Halted
Cloudburst Tragedy In Uttarkashi: 9 Missing, Char Dham Yatra Halted
Digital Desk: A sudden cloudburst late Sunday night near a hotel construction site in Uttarkashi's Gangotri region has left 9 people missing and the entire area shaken. The powerful rush of water and debris caught everyone off guard, washing away structures and vehicles. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other teams are on-site to provide help and search operations.
District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the missing persons and stated that rescue efforts were being carried out despite adverse weather conditions, stating "Eighty-nine workers staying at this under-construction hotel site are missing," adding to that the Yamunotri road has also been seriously impacted by debris and rain.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared on social media that he is constantly watching the situation. "In the tragic incident of a landslide in the Silai Band area of Barkot Tehsil, Uttarkashi district, it has been reported that some workers are missing. Teams including SDRF, NDRF, and others have reached the site and are engaged in intensive relief and rescue operations'' he added.
Saturday's heavy rain has interrupted vital highways around the state. The Badrinath National Highway, the route crucial for the Kedarnath Yatra, is closed near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. Chamoli Police said they were still working to clear debris and restore traffic. Due to bad weather, authorities have temporarily halted the Char Dham Yatra for 24 hours.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of how vulnerable the hill regions are to extreme weather.
