Have the <b>Mountains of Misfortune</b> Struck Again? Kedarnath Faces Second Tragedy This Week
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Synopsis
Tragedy strikes Kedarnath once more as Rudraprayag faces devastating incidents—a helicopter crash and a deadly landslide. With adverse weather exacerbating the situation, concerns over safety and preparedness arise. Discover the unfolding story of loss and resilience in this sacred pilgrimage.
Key Takeaways
- Two tragedies struck Kedarnath this week—one helicopter crash and one landslide.
- The helicopter crash claimed seven lives, including a child.
- The landslide resulted in fatalities, injuries, and a missing person.
- Authorities are enforcing stricter safety regulations.
- An orange alert for heavy rainfall has been issued by the IMD.
Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand), June 18 (NationPress) A dark cloud seems to have enveloped the Kedarnath pilgrimage as Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district witnesses two tragedies this week—one involving aviation and the other, a landslide—amidst adverse weather conditions.
Just two days following a helicopter crash in the vicinity of Gaurikund that resulted in the loss of seven lives, including a 23-month-old infant, Rudraprayag is making headlines again. This time, at least two individuals have died, one is unaccounted for, and three others, including a woman, suffered injuries due to massive boulders tumbling down a trekking route.
The helicopter incident prompted authorities to take action against the aviation company, while the Civil Aviation Ministry has mandated the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to strictly uphold safety regulations for helicopter operations in hilly regions.
These fatalities from the landslide also reflect a worrying trend: the failure to heed weather forecasts and the lack of warnings to trekkers.
Despite the casualty count remaining low, the emotional toll on the victims' families is profound, raising significant concerns regarding governmental accountability.
The latest tragedy coincides with an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for various regions of Uttarakhand, indicating potential heavy rainfall.
In response to these events, authorities are urging both pilgrims and local residents to exercise caution, minimize unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant about the risk of floods and landslides.
The landslide incident took place around 11:20 a.m. near Junglechatti ghat along the Kedarnath Yatra trekking route. Boulders cascaded down, hitting pilgrims, porters, and palanquin bearers amid a busy pathway, according to rescue officials.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police quickly arrived to initiate evacuations and provide medical help.
Bhim Bali, a sector officer, reported that one individual remains missing, and search efforts are ongoing.
“The Rudraprayag police and local units, along with DDRF teams, acted promptly to assist the injured. A woman sustained minor injuries, and two men with severe injuries were transferred to the Gaurikund health center for urgent care,” stated a police representative.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences over the incident and instructed the administration to deliver immediate relief support.
Point of View
Our commitment remains with the people of India, especially in times of crisis. The recent tragedies in Kedarnath highlight urgent issues of safety and preparedness in pilgrimage areas. It is essential for authorities to prioritize the well-being of both pilgrims and residents, ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the tragic incidents in Kedarnath?
The tragedies in Kedarnath were caused by adverse weather conditions leading to a helicopter crash and a subsequent landslide on a trekking route.
How many people were affected by the landslide?
The landslide resulted in at least two fatalities, one missing person, and injuries to three others.
What measures are authorities taking for safety?
Authorities have issued warnings, urged caution among pilgrims, and are enforcing stricter regulations for helicopter operations in hilly regions.
Is there an ongoing search operation?
Yes, search operations are ongoing to locate the missing person and to ensure the safety of those affected.
What has the Chief Minister said regarding the incidents?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed grief over the incidents and directed immediate relief assistance for the victims.
