New Delhi, August 4, 2023: A devastating landslide near Gaurikund on the Kedarnath yatra route in Rudraprayag district has left many feared buried in the debris of destroyed shops. The incident occurred after heavy torrential rains, causing significant damage and raising concerns about the safety of pilgrims and residents in the area.
A team from the state disaster response force (SDRF) has swiftly initiated a search and rescue operation to locate the missing individuals. According to an official of the Rudraprayag disaster management, around 10 to 12 people are suspected to be buried or washed away in the aftermath of the landslide.
The catastrophe resulted in the destruction of three shops near the Gaurikund post bridge last night. The search and rescue operation is currently underway, with authorities working tirelessly to find the missing individuals.
“The operation is going on to find the missing people,” stated SP Rudraprayag, Dr Visakha.
Disaster Management Officer Dalip Singh Rajwar informed ANI, “We got information that three 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.”
Among those missing are individuals identified as Vinod (26), Mulayam (25), Ashu (23), Priyanshu Chamola (18), Ranbir Singh (28), Amar Bohra, his wife Anita Bohra, their daughters Radhika Bohra and Pinki Bohra, and sons Prithvi Bohra (7), Jatil (6), and Vakil (3), as per officials’ reports.
Gaurikund, a revered pilgrimage site named after Goddess Parvati, also serves as a crucial base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. With the monsoon season prevailing, the number of pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath shrine has diminished due to concerns regarding rain-related incidents.
Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and undertaking rescue efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the tragic landslide.
