New Delhi: In yet another dramatic rescue amid Uttarakhand’s relentless monsoon fury, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully rescued around 40 devotees stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone on Thursday. The pilgrims were returning from the Kedarnath Dham when a sudden landslide blocked the route around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, trapping them in hazardous conditions.
The incident occurred near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Heavy debris and mudslides rendered the path impassable, forcing the pilgrims to halt overnight in treacherous terrain. SDRF teams launched an emergency rescue operation under difficult nighttime conditions, navigating through unstable debris and landslip zones to reach the trapped pilgrims.
Dramatic visuals released by the SDRF show rescuers making their way through dangerous terrain to guide the devotees to safety.
Meanwhile, landslides and flash floods continue to paralyze large parts of the hill state. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near the Badrish Hotel in Umtta due to another landslide, according to Chamoli Police. In a similar development, large sections of the Yamunotri National Highway between Silai Band and Ojri have been washed away by continuous downpours.
With monsoon wreaking havoc, multiple emergency agencies—including SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel—are working in tandem to assist stranded pilgrims and local residents. Makeshift trails are being created, transport facilities are being arranged, and safe alternate routes are being mapped out to ensure timely and secure movement.
Essential services have also taken a severe hit. Power outages have been reported from Agrakhaal, Chamba, Jakhindhar, and Dughamandar, while water supply systems have been disrupted across parts of Chamba block, deepening the crisis for locals already grappling with flooded roads and isolation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a continued rain alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated locations across several districts.
“Intense rain spells accompanied by lightning are likely in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar. Other hilly districts may also see thunderstorms and heavy showers,” the IMD bulletin stated.
With monsoon showing no signs of abating, authorities remain on high alert as rescue and relief operations continue across the state.
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