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Uttarakhand PEOPLE

Kedarnath Yatra Halted Again as Landslide Strikes Near Sonprayag

Kedarnath Yatra: The Kedarnath Yatra was once again brought to a halt after a massive landslide struck near Munkatiya, close to Sonprayag, on Tuesday evening.

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Neha Kumari
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Kedarnath

Image Credit Google Images

The Kedarnath Yatra was once again brought to a halt after a massive landslide struck near Munkatiya, close to Sonprayag, on Tuesday evening. The landslide blocked a key section of the trekking route, stranding dozens of pilgrims returning from the Kedarnath shrine.

What Happened

The incident occurred following intermittent rainfall in the region, which loosened the already fragile slopes. As rocks and debris came crashing down near Munkatiya, the trekking path from Kedarnath to Sonprayag became completely inaccessible. More than 40 devotees, including elderly pilgrims and women, were caught mid-route.

Swift Response from SDRF

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched an immediate rescue operation. Despite challenging terrain and the risk of further landslides, rescue personnel safely evacuated all trapped individuals and escorted them to Sonprayag, the nearest base camp.

Officials reported that no casualties or injuries occurred, thanks to the quick response and coordination of the rescue teams.

Yatra Temporarily Suspended

In the wake of the landslide, the Kedarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended as a safety measure. Authorities are assessing the damage and working to clear the debris. Only after thorough inspection and restoration of the route will the pilgrimage be resumed.

District administration has advised pilgrims currently stationed at Gaurikund and Sonprayag to remain where they are and not proceed toward Kedarnath until further notice.

Ongoing Risks and Warnings

Frequent landslides and inclement weather have posed serious challenges to the annual Char Dham Yatra this year. Authorities have repeatedly urged pilgrims to:

Stay updated with official weather advisories

Avoid traveling during heavy rainfall

Cooperate with local administration and police

Meteorological forecasts have predicted more rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns over further disruptions in the hill state.

Pilgrims Speak

Several rescued devotees expressed relief and gratitude to the SDRF team. "We were scared and stranded with no way forward or back. The rescue team reached just in time," said a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh.

Background

The Kedarnath Yatra, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The trek, though scenic, passes through sensitive mountainous terrain prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon season.

Kedarnath Yatra