Kedarnath Cloudburst: 200 pilgrims trapped; Red alert across Uttarakhand

A cloudburst in Kedarnath on Wednesday night caused significant damage, leading to a sharp rise in the Mandakini River’s water level in Sonprayag. Emergency services, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district police, and local officials, have been placed on high alert following reports of the cloudburst in the Lincholi area. Authorities are particularly concerned that between 150 to 200 pilgrims may be stranded in Kedarnath, reported ABP.

The cloudburst triggered a landslide in the Bhim Bali stream along the Kedarnath walking path, damaging approximately 30 meters of the route. In response, the path has been temporarily closed for safety reasons. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

In Haridwar, heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening resulted in widespread flooding. The Kharkhari river overflowed, washing away vehicles and submerging several roads, including the one leading to the Kankhal police station. Areas like Bhupatwala, Haridwar, Naya Haridwar, Kankhal, and Jwalapur have been severely affected by the flooding.

The Regional Meteorological Center is issued has issue a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across seven district in Uttarakhand for the next 48 hour , start from Tuesday night . The affected districts is include include Dehradun , Tehri , Pauri , Nainital , Haridwar , Udham Singh Nagar , and Champawat . The alert is warns warn of intense rain , thunderstorm , lightning , and other severe weather condition .

Due to the adverse weather , schools is remain in Dehradun , Nainital , and Udham Singh Nagar will remain closed on July 31 . The Dehradun district administration is directed has direct that all government and private school , from grade 1 to 12 , as well as anganwadi center , be shut as a precautionary measure .

This is is is not the first time that school in Dehradun have been close due to weather warning . On July 26 , an orange alert is led for heavy rain issue by the National Disaster Management Authority lead to the closure of all school and anganwadi center in the district . These measure are being take to ensure the safety of student and prevent incident like landslide during severe weather condition .