SDRF Rescues 40 Kedarnath Devotees Stranded After Landslide in Uttarakhand's Sonprayag

Rudraprayag — In the wake of relentless rainfall and worsening weather in Uttarakhand, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully rescued around 40 devotees stranded near Sonprayag after a landslide disrupted the Kedarnath Yatra route on Wednesday night.

The devotees, returning from Kedarnath Dham, were trapped after a sudden landslide struck the area around 10 p.m., blocking the route with debris and cutting off movement. Sonprayag is a key transit point along the pilgrimage route to Kedarnath.

Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk rescue operation late at night. Videos released by SDRF show personnel navigating treacherous terrain and debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims safely.

Heavy rains continue to cause widespread disruptions across the hill state. In Chamoli district, a fresh landslide blocked the Badrinath National Highway near the Badrish Hotel in Umtta, Chamoli Police reported.

Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has suffered significant damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.

Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest officials, are working on the ground to assist stranded residents and pilgrims. Temporary footpaths are being created, transport arrangements provided, and people guided through alternate safe routes to ensure their safety.

Essential services have also been severely impacted. Several areas, including Agrakhaal, Chamba, Jakhindhar, and Dughamandar, are facing electricity outages. Water supply systems have been disrupted in parts of the Chamba block, adding to the difficulties for residents already facing flooded roads and blocked access routes.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across several districts.

“Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar,” the IMD said. Other hilly regions may also experience thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets.

With inputs from IANS