An avalanche struck Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, on Sunday. A video from PTI captured the avalanche speeding down the slopes.
Rudraprayag SSP Dr. Vishakha Ashok Bhadane informed ANI that the avalanche occurred around 5 am and fortunately, no lives or property were lost.
An avalanche is a fast-moving mass of snow descending a mountain. Warning signs include cracking sounds, visible fractures in the snow, and recent heavy snowfall. Thankfully, there were no casualties or damage reported.
Avalanche Strikes Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath
An avalanche hit Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, on Sunday, June 30. No casualties or property damage have been reported yet. Kedarnath, home to a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a key pilgrimage spot in the Char Dham circuit and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is the most remote of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage destinations.
The Char Dham Yatra began on May 10, 2024, with the opening of the shrines at Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath.
We are waiting for more updates on the avalanche situation.
VIDEO | Uttarakhand: An avalanche occurred over Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath. No loss of life and property was reported. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/yfgTrYh0oc
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 30, 2024Earlier, on June 18, seven pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and Haryana were injured when a ‘dhaba’ on the Kedarnath trail in Rudraprayag collapsed.
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Kedarnath Avalanche Update
Snow descended heavily from the mountain, creating a cloud of snow dust and causing a stir in Kedarnath. The avalanche continued for some time, but such events are not unusual for this mountain.
Nandan Singh Rajwar, a disaster management officer, said that a sector officer reported an avalanche above Gandhi Sarovar on Sunday morning. Fortunately, it caused no damage. He explained that these avalanches occur periodically due to heavy snowfall and usually don’t cause harm.
Earlier this month, Kedarnath Dham saw a massive influx of pilgrims, with over 700,000 visiting by June 6. This year, the Char Dham Yatra circuit, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, has seen a significant increase in devotees.
Char Dham Yatra
In an effort to make it easier for pilgrims, Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s orders, has removed the quota limiting the number of visitors to the four Dhams.
Pilgrims can now register for their visits at registration counters in Rishikesh and Haridwar, providing greater convenience and accessibility.
Char Dham Yatra Registration
To join the Char Dham Yatra, you must register. You can do this at a registration center or by using the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app, available for both Android and iOS.
You can also register via WhatsApp. Simply send the message “Yatra” to +91 8394833833 to start the registration process.
2013 Kedarnath Dham Flood Disaster
On the evening of June 16, 2013, a series of cloudbursts in Uttarakhand, India, caused devastating floods and landslides. These natural disasters destroyed numerous villages and towns, leading to the tragic loss of thousands of lives, many of whom are still missing.
The floods, which severely impacted five districts, were worsened by the rapid melting of snow and ice on Kedarnath Mountain. This caused Chorabari Lake to overflow and eventually collapse, resulting in widespread flooding that affected thousands of people.
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Avalanche Strikes Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath FAQs
Q.1. What happened at Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath?
Ans. An avalanche occurred on June 30, causing no casualties or property damage.
Q.2. Is Kedarnath safe for pilgrims after the avalanche?
Ans. Yes, authorities have confirmed safety, and pilgrimage continues under regular monitoring.
Q.3. What is the Char Dham Yatra?
Ans. It’s a pilgrimage circuit covering four sacred sites in Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Q.4. How can I register for the Char Dham Yatra?
Ans. You can register at centers in Rishikesh and Haridwar or via the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app.
Q.5. What caused the 2013 Kedarnath flood disaster?
Ans. Cloudbursts and rapid snowmelt led to devastating floods and landslides, impacting the region severely.
