Kedarnath Yatra Temporarily Halted After Monsoon Landslide
The pilgrimage to the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand was temporarily suspended on Thursday after heavy rains triggered a major landslide at Munkatiya near Sonprayag. The landslide completely blocked the route to the Himalayan temple, forcing the administration to halt the yatra as a precautionary measure. State Disaster Response Force personnel were deployed to rescue pilgrims who were trapped while returning from the shrine. The incident highlights the increased risks of travel in the region during the monsoon season.
Unpacked:
The Kedarnath pilgrimage season typically runs from late April or early May to November, coinciding with milder weather. However, the region is highly susceptible to landslides and disruptions, especially during the monsoon season (June to September), when heavy rainfall frequently causes blockages and safety hazards along the route.
Around 40 stranded pilgrims were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) through a nighttime operation that involved navigating dangerous terrain and debris. As of the latest reports, all stranded devotees were evacuated safely, and no casualties or serious injuries were reported in this particular incident.
Authorities, including SDRF, NDRF, local police, and forest departments, are working together to rescue stranded individuals, create temporary trails, provide transportation, and guide people through alternate routes. They are also monitoring weather conditions closely and temporarily halting pilgrimages when necessary to prevent further incidents.
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruption, blocking major highways such as the Badrinath National Highway and Yamunotri National Highway, and damaging road connectivity. Essential services have been significantly impacted, with authorities focusing on restoring blocked routes and ensuring the safe movement of both residents and pilgrims.