Cloudburst in Uttarakhand Halts Char Dham Yatra; Workers Missing, Roads Blocked
Uttarakhand Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc: Char Dham Yatra Suspended, Rescue Operations Underway
A severe cloudburst in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand late Saturday has triggered massive disruptions across the state, including the suspension of the Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage circuits. The disaster has left nine workers missing, caused landslides that blocked major highways, and stranded thousands of pilgrims en route to Badrinath and Yamunotri shrines.
यमुनोत्री हाईवे पर सिलाई बैंड में अतिवृष्टि से लेबर कैंप में भारी लैंडस्लाइड!
🔹 9 मजदूर लापता
🔹 10 को रेस्क्यू कर सुरक्षित निकाला गया
🔹 हाईवे का 10-12 मीटर हिस्सा बह गया➡️ SDRF, NDRF व पुलिस राहत-बचाव में जुटे हैं।
⚠️ यात्रियों से अनुरोध: सुरक्षित स्थानों पर रुकें। pic.twitter.com/Nh8EU0rJza
— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) June 29, 2025
Yatra Suspended Amid Heavy Rain and Landslides
In the wake of incessant rainfall and the cloudburst near Silai Band on the Barkot–Yamunotri road, the Uttarakhand government suspended the Char Dham Yatra for 24 hours. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey ordered officials to halt pilgrims at key points like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar. The decision was taken as a precautionary safety measure, considering the fragile condition of the roads and high landslide risk.
Flash Floods and Missing Workers
The most tragic consequence of the cloudburst occurred at Baligarh, where flash floods hit a hotel construction site. At least 8–9 workers are reported missing, while others were rescued. The Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the incident, stating that Yamunotri highway infrastructure suffered significant damage due to the flooding and landslides.
Infrastructure Collapse: Roads Blocked, Power Cut
According to official sources, 72 roads across Kumaon region have been blocked due to landslides, affecting over 40,000 residents. Villages in Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts have reported power outages, prompting emergency restoration operations. Authorities have imposed a night travel ban on the Char Dham highways to avoid further risk of accidents or landslides.
Key Highways Severely Affected
The Badrinath National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani has been rendered impassable due to overnight landslides. Similarly, the Yamunotri route has been devastated, with a 10–12 meter stretch of the highway washed away. The Uttarakhand Police, in a statement, confirmed that rescue efforts are underway, and heavy machinery has been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity.
NDRF and SDRF Lead Rescue Missions
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police are working around the clock to search for the missing workers and assist stranded pilgrims. Authorities are also securing vulnerable zones to prevent further mishaps.
“Heavy landslide in Silai Band on Yamunotri Highway due to excessive rainfall. Nine workers missing, 10 rescued and safely evacuated,” the police said in a statement.
Disaster Management on High Alert
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the State Disaster Management Department, assured the public that all departments are in emergency response mode. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have instructed all field officers to remain alert,” he said.
CM Dhami Appeals for Caution
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued a public advisory urging residents and tourists to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel. “Given the forecast of heavy rainfall in hilly and some plain areas of the state, people are advised to stay alert,” he said, adding that timely caution can prevent loss of life.
IMD Forecasts More Rain
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand for the next 24 to 48 hours. Areas in Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Tehri are likely to witness intense spells, prompting officials to maintain high alert and reinforce readiness for emergency evacuations.
Restoration and Relief Top Priorities
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) is coordinating efforts to restore damaged infrastructure and resume essential services. Helicopters remain on standby for medical evacuations and supply drops to cut-off regions. Relief camps are being set up in safer zones for displaced residents and pilgrims.