Uttarakhand: Heavy Rain Expected As IMD Issues Yellow Alert; Rescue Ops Continue In Kedarnath, 400 Pilgrims Still Stranded

KedarnathNews: The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in Uttarakhand, particularly in Dehradun, Nainital, and other districts. Heavy rain is also expected in some areas of Uttarkashi, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar. Despite continuous rain, the region is experiencing humid heat, with rising temperatures when the rain pauses. This pattern is affecting areas from Dehradun to Haridwar, where people are facing uncomfortable conditions.

Rescue Operations In Kedarnath

Following heavy rainfall on July 31, rescue operations are underway for those stranded on the Kedarnath route and Dham. On Sunday, 1,275 pilgrims and locals were rescued on foot and by helicopter, bringing the total rescued to 10,374 in four days.

Due to bad weather, the Army's MI-17 and Chinook helicopters couldn't fly on Sunday, but rescue efforts will continue on Monday. The Army, along with other agencies, has also started relief work, rescuing 25 injured, elderly, and disabled individuals from the Gaurikund-Sonprayag highway using a trolley. Currently, around 400 passengers are still stranded in Kedarnath Dham.

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Kedarnath Landslide:

The cloudburst, which struck Junglechatti near Lincholi on July 31, triggered a landslide and caused significant damage to the trek route to Kedarnath. Pilgrims were left stranded beyond Bhimbali on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek route after the swollen Mandakini river washed away a 20-25 meter section of the road.

Heavy rainfall on July 31 severely damaged the Kedarnath road, breaking it in many places. The 16 km stretch from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple has ten major damaged spots. Public Works Department teams are actively working on repairs.

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The Army has constructed a temporary trolley over the Mandakini River and started building an alternative bridge. Near Ghoda Padao in Gaurikund, a 15-meter section of the road is completely destroyed. Additional damages are reported from Gaurikund to Chhodi Marg, Chirbasa, Jungle Chatti, Kuber Glacier, and the Gaurikund to Sonprayag road.

The Army's dog squad has started a search operation in the affected area, fearing that some people might have lost their way during the heavy rains and fled into the forest. The search continues to locate any missing individuals.