Uttarakhand Cloudburst Tragedy: Two Dead, Seven Missing After Landslide Hits Hotel Site in Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand | June 30, 2025: A devastating cloudburst early Sunday morning triggered a massive landslide near the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi, leading to the deaths of two labourers and leaving seven others missing at a hotel construction site. Officials confirmed that rescue operations are currently underway, led by teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local police.
The landslide has also caused severe disruption on the Yamunotri route, with debris blocking the highway in multiple locations. Pilgrims returning from Yamunotri have been advised to stay at safe shelters until the roads are cleared. Public Works Department teams are actively working to remove debris, though full clearance may take several more hours.
Char Dham Yatra Suspended
In light of the heavy rainfall and risk of further landslides, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for a day. A red alert has been issued for June 29 and 30 by the Meteorological Department in districts including Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated, “For the safety of pilgrims, the yatra has been paused. Stranded devotees are being shifted to safe areas. Further movement will depend on the weather review on Monday.”
Additional Damage Across the Region
Rainfall-related damage has also been reported in Kuthnaur village, where farmlands have been flooded and roads destroyed. The Kupda Kunshala Trikhili bridge in Syanachatti is under threat due to rising water levels in the Yamuna River.
CM Dhami Urges Caution
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his concern and confirmed that he is in regular contact with the authorities. He urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated with official advisories.
In a public message, he said, “The weather department has predicted heavy rainfall in several parts of the state. Please remain cautious and follow administrative guidelines.”
He also addressed PCS examination candidates scheduled to appear for the test on Sunday, advising them to start early and prioritize safety.
The situation is being closely monitored by the state government, and all possible assistance is being extended to the affected areas.
