Uttarakhand Cloudburst: Video Captures Rescue Operations of Stranded Pilgrims

Dehradun/Rudraprayag: In a rescue operation, nearly 2,537 pilgrims bound for Kedarnath were rescued by NDRF and SDRF teams on Friday after being stranded due to cloudbursts on the track leading a massive landslide. 

A video surfaced showing SDRF personnel conducting rescue operations for the pilgrims, who were stuck on their way to Kedarnath. The footage reveals rescue teams evacuating pilgrims, including women and children. 

The cloudburst near Bhim Bali along the Kedarnath track triggered a significant landslide, temporarily stranding many pilgrims. Emergency services, including the SDRF, district police, and local officials, responded swiftly, ensuring the stranded pilgrims were moved to safety. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in the Bhim Bali cloudburst followed by cloudburst.

In an official statement, the Uttarakhand government said the Centre has dispatched two Indian Air Force helicopters, a Chinook and an MI 17, to aid rescue operations in the state after the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) took stock of the situation in the wake of the heavy rainfall

Kedarnath Yatra Suspended After Route Blockage 

The Kedarnath Yatra was suspended amid the inclement weather conditions as the heavy downpour triggered landslides at many places.

“The Kedarnath Yatra was suspended amid the inclement weather conditions as the heavy downpour triggered landslides at many places. The trek route remains blocked by boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali,” the officials added.

Rudraprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar confirmed about conducting rescue operations for stranded pilgrims after cloudburst at Bhim Bali on the Kedarnath trail, which caused a landslide damaging 20-25 metres of the path.  

In response to the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami communicated with the Disaster Management Secretary to assess the ongoing relief and rescue operations across the affected areas.