Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], June 29: A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck a labour camp at Silai Band on the Yamunotri Highway on Sunday, leaving nine workers missing and prompting a major rescue operation.
According to officials, ten workers have been safely rescued, while efforts are underway to locate the remaining nine. The landslide completely washed away a 10-12 meter section of the highway, severely affecting road connectivity and hampering immediate relief operations.
Emergency teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police were rushed to the spot and launched search and rescue efforts.
“Ten workers have been safely evacuated from the site. However, nine others are still missing and efforts are underway to locate them,” said Uttarakhand Police in a statement.
In response to the incident, the state disaster management department issued an advisory urging travellers and pilgrims to remain at safe locations. “Request to travellers: Stay at safe locations,” the advisory read.
The Char Dham Yatra has also been temporarily suspended for 24 hours due to the landslide and ongoing heavy rains. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the suspension as a precautionary measure.
“I have instructed police and administration officials to halt pilgrims in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Vikasnagar,” Pandey told ANI.
The disruption follows a cloudburst in the Silai Band area and continued rainfall in the region, which has created hazardous travel conditions.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express concern and confirmed the active involvement of SDRF, NDRF, and other emergency teams in the rescue operation.
“In the tragic incident of a landslide in the Silai Band area of Barkot Tehsil, Uttarkashi district, it has been reported that some workers are missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing,” the CM posted. “I am in constant contact with the authorities and pray for everyone’s safety,” he added.