Heavy Rains In Uttarakhand Claim 14 Lives; Kedarnath Yatra Suspended

Heavy rains in Uttarakhand have led to 14 deaths and left 10 people injured as rivers overflow and houses collapse, officials reported on Thursday. The torrential downpour has caused significant disruptions, leading to the suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra due to landslides.

Impact of Heavy Rains

The heavy overnight rains caused landslides at several locations, blocking the trek route to Kedarnath with boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi, and Bhimbali. In response to the severe weather conditions, the Uttarakhand government has suspended the Kedarnath Yatra to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

Rescue Operations Underway

The Uttarakhand government announced that the central government has dispatched two Indian Air Force helicopters, a Chinook and an MI-17, to aid in rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office has assured Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of all necessary assistance.

The State Emergency Operation Centre reported a child was swept away in a flooded drain in Nainital’s Haldwani, with search efforts underway.

Pilgrim Evacuations

Heavy rains on Wednesday night washed away a stretch of road in Bhimbali on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek route, blocking the path with large stones. Police reported that 425 pilgrims have been airlifted to safety from Lincholi and Bhimbali, while 1,100 have walked to Sonprayag with rescue teams’ assistance.

Deaths and Incidents

Since Wednesday evening, 14 people have died in rain-related incidents across Uttarakhand:

• Dehradun: Four deaths, including two drownings in Raipur. Victims were Sundar Singh and Arjun Singh Rana. Two others were swept away while bathing near Sahasradhara, identified as Indrapal and Bhupendra Singh Rana from Delhi.
• Haridwar: Six deaths, including a house collapse in Bharpur village, killing four and injuring 10, with eight in critical condition. Two people were electrocuted at Roorkee bus stand.
• Tehri: Three members of a family, Bhanu Prasad, Neelam Devi, and Vipin, were killed in a landslide in Jakhanyali village after a cloudburst.
• Chamoli: A woman died when debris fell on her house in Kunkhet village.
• Nainital: A seven-year-old child was swept away in a flooded drain, with police and SDRF searching.

Weather and Government Response

Dehradun recorded 172 mm of rain, Haridwar’s Roshanabad 210 mm, and other areas significant rainfall. Chief Minister Dhami has urged officials to remain vigilant and ensure safety.

In a social media post, Dhami stated that heavy rains affected life in many areas, with rescue teams working overnight to move people to safety. Dhami also visited the State Emergency Operations Centre to review the situation and directed Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman to coordinate with District Magistrates.

An advisory has been issued to Kedarnath-bound pilgrims in Rudraprayag, advising them to wait for official updates on weather and road conditions. Both the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers are flowing near danger levels.