India: Cloudburst hits Kedarnath route, Mandakini overflows; over 150 pilgrims stranded
A snapshot of Kedarnath temple.
Heavy rains on Wednesday (Jul31) triggered severe flooding along the Kedarnath-Sonprayag-Gauri Kund route. As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated markets and hotels in the impacted districts.
The Mandakini River, which passes through Kedarnath and Sonprayag, has overflowed owing to heavy rains, resulting in flood-like conditions. Chaos broke out among pilgrims when the river's water reached the Sonprayag parking lot.
The situation got worse with a cloudburst on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath route, making the Mandakini river rise even higher. Buildings near the river have been evacuated, and officials are keeping a close eye on things.
"A cloudburst in the Bhim Bali area of the Kedarnath pedestrian route damaged approximately 30 meters of the path, blocking passage. Around 150 to 200 pilgrims are stranded. The incident occurred after heavy torrential rains," IANS reported.
Due to the flood-like conditions, the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag has paused the pilgrimage. SDRF teams have been sent to help people along the Mandakini River and keep them safe. Authorities have advised residents in Gaurikund to stay alert.
A hotel in Nautad Tok, Bhilangana block of Tehri, Uttarakhand, was washed away after a cloudburst. Two people lost their lives in the incident. District Disaster Management Officer Brijesh Bhatt reported that hotel owner Bhanu Prasad, his wife Neelam Devi, and their son Vipin went missing when the hotel was swept away. The bodies of Bhanu and Neelam were found approximately 100 meters from the location, but Vipin is still unaccounted for.
The cloudburst also stranded around 200 pilgrims on the Chardham Yatra, and rescue efforts are ongoing to evacuate them. Additionally, the sudden flooding displaced numerous animals.
No other guests were in the hotel when the incident occurred. The police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively searching for Vipin and ensuring the safety of the pilgrims who are trapped.
In another incident, a house collapsed in Bharatpur village near Roorkee because of heavy rain. About 11 people were trapped under the rubble. Sadly, two children, aged 10 and 8, lost their lives. Emergency services and local residents are working to rescue the trapped individuals.
Five people were rescued in critical condition, while two others had minor injuries. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Uttarakhand.
(With inputs from agencies)
