Landslide on Kedarnath trek route kills 2 pilgrims, 3 injured

A tragic landslide on the trek route to the revered Kedarnath shrine on Wednesday claimed the lives of two individuals and left three others injured. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:20 AM near Junglechatti ghat, sent boulders rolling down the hillside, striking pilgrims and operators of palanquins, and porters. This devastating event underscores the inherent risks associated with high-altitude pilgrimages, particularly in regions prone to geological instability.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde confirmed the details of the incident. He stated that the victims, after being struck by the cascading rubble from the landslide, fell into a deep gorge, making rescue operations extremely challenging.

Upon receiving the information, police and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) personnel were immediately dispatched to the site to launch a search and rescue operation. The difficult terrain and the depth of the gorge presented significant hurdles for the rescue teams.

Police, SDRF personnel, and residents worked collaboratively, using ropes to meticulously pull out the deceased and the injured from the perilous gorge. Their swift and coordinated efforts were crucial in responding to the emergency. Tragically, two individuals succumbed to their injuries on the spot. Of the three injured, one woman sustained minor injuries, while two men were more severely hurt and subsequently referred to a health center in Gaurikund for urgent medical attention.