Rudraprayag Landslide: A heart-wrenching tragedy struck Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, as a landslide claimed the lives of five pilgrims. The incident unfolded when a car, carrying these pilgrims, became engulfed under the weight of landslide debris at Tarsali near Chowki Phata. The local police reported the incident on Saturday.
Fatal Journey to Kedarnath
The victims, on a sacred journey to Kedarnath, met a fateful end when their vehicle was buried under the debris of a landslide. The unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday evening. The group of pilgrims included individuals from various regions, including one hailing from Gujarat.
Devastating Collapse and Rescue Efforts
Authorities detailed that a significant 60-meter segment of the Kedarnathgya highway crumbled due to a massive landslide. Heavy debris, including large boulders, tumbled from the hillside, leading to the catastrophic collapse. Amidst this chaos, a vehicle was tragically buried beneath the debris.
Recovery and Investigation Underway
A rescue operation ensued, and on Friday, the buried vehicle was uncovered. The grim discovery revealed the bodies of the five victims. Notably, one of the deceased was identified as a resident of Gujarat. Authorities are conducting further investigations into the incident.
Ripple Effect on Transport and Rain Woes
The incident’s impact extended beyond the immediate loss of life. The Guptkashi-Gaurikund highway, which facilitates access to Kedarnath Dham, was obstructed due to the landslide. Approximately 60 meters of the road suffered severe damage and erosion from the force of the landslide. Local officials reported traffic disruption and challenges faced by residents due to this unfortunate event.
Unrelenting Rain and Alert Status
The region, including Rudraprayag, has been grappling with incessant rainfall for the past few days. The Meteorological Department has issued ‘Red’ and ‘Orange’ alerts for multiple districts of Uttarakhand, spanning from August 11 to August 14. As the state battles the effects of heavy rainfall and its consequences, communities are coming together to cope with the aftermath of this devastating landslide.
