Uttarakhand: 3 Fatalities, 17 Missing As Massive Landslide Hits Rudraprayag; Traffic Movement Impeded

A massive landslide and flash floods erupted in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag, resulting in three fatalities and injuries to 17 individuals, said the officials on Saturday. The incident took place 16 km before Kedarnath in Rudraprayag’s Gaurikund. The District Administration of Rudraprayag stated, “Three people have died, and 17 are missing due to the landslide.”

This landslide occurred on the Kedarnath yatra route, resulting in the washing away of numerous shops and dhabas that were located there. This event caused extensive damage to properties.  During the time of the landslide, four locals and 16 Nepalis were present in these establishments.

Currently, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is actively conducting a search operation at the landslide site.

Earlier on the same day, a portion of the Gangotri National Highway crumbled near the Forest Department office in Uttarkashi, triggered by a landslide. This incident adversely impacted the flow of vehicles on the bustling Kedarnath yatra route. The affected area, where a 60-meter section collapsed, holds strategic proximity to an airstrip.

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The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched rescue and relief operations, although none of the missing individuals were located at that time. The persistent heavy rains and cascading boulders were hindering the progress of these efforts.

The missing individuals were identified as Vinod, Mulayam, Ashu, Priyanshu Chamola, Ranbir Singh, Amar Bohra, Anita Bohra, along with their children Radhika, Pinki, Prithvi, Jatil, and Vakil.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted ongoing heavy rainfall in several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra, spanning from August 4 to August 8.

Furthermore, the District Administration of Uttarkashi disclosed that a considerable portion, around 50-60 parts, of the Arakot-Chinva motorway near Moldi in the Mori area of the district had crumbled due to a massive landslide. This occurrence impacted areas bordering Himachal Pradesh.

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