India: Landslide hits Kedarnath route in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag, 13 people missing

At least 13 people are missing in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district - a route of Hindu religious pilgrimage Kedarnath yatra - due to a landslide on Thursday night (August 3). According to the news agency ANI, the landslide occurred after torrential rain near the Gaurikund post bridge in the north Indian state. Three shops have been damaged.

ANI reported that teams of the district administration, disaster management, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were present on the spot.

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"The operation is going on to find the missing people," SP Rudraprayag, Dr Visakha told ANI.

Dalip Singh Rajwar, a disaster management official said, "We got information that 3 shops were affected because of falling rocks and heavy rainfall...The search operation was started immediately. It was said that around 10-12 people were there but till now they have not been located..."

CM Dhami takes stock of situation

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhamireached the State Disaster Operation Center located at the Secretariat to take stock of the situation in Gaurikund of Rudraprayag due to rains.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Dhami said, "Last night, we received the information that 13 people are missing so, we are conducting the search operations and providing necessary help. We are also trying to contact the relatives of those who are missing."

"We are doing rescue operations with the help of teams and NDRF and SDRF are also deployed there. We are also trying to relocate people who are residing in the low-lying areas," he added.

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