12 killed, 320 stranded; Kedarnath yatra stalled in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: The monsoon has wreaked havoc in Uttarakhand, claiming the lives of 12 people, including three members of a family who were staying in a hotel that was swept away by the raging waters. Six others were injured in the disaster. Heavy overnight rains and a cloud burst triggered widespread flooding and house collapses, as several rivers in the region swelled to dangerous levels.

According to official sources, rescue teams have safely evacuated 320 people stranded on yatra routes. In light of the situation, the government has sounded a high alert in the Kedar Valley and temporarily suspended the Kedarnath Yatra.

The Kedarnath pedestrian path has been closed due to severe damage from cloud bursts. Rescue efforts are underway to evacuate stranded pilgrims, with helicopters being deployed to assist in the operation, according to sources in the Disaster Management Office.