14 killed in heavy rains in Uttarakhand; Kedarnath Yatra halted

Heavy rains in Uttarakhand cause flooding, landslides, and casualties, prompting rescue operations and suspension of Kedarnath Yatra.

Fourteen people died and 10 persons were injured in heavy overnight rains that triggered flooding and a house collapse as several rivers swelled in Uttarakhand, officials said here on Thursday.

They said the Kedarnath Yatra was suspended amid the inclement weather conditions as the heavy downpour triggered landslips at many places. The trek route remains blocked by boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali, the officials added.

In an official statement, the Uttarakhand government said the Centre had dispatched two Indian Air Force helicopters, a Chinook and an MI 17 to aid rescue operations in the State after the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) took stock of the situation in the wake of intense showers.

Three aviation turbine fuel tankers have also been sent, it said, adding that the PMO had assured Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of all necessary assistance. BJP president J.P. Nadda also reviewed the situation, the statement said.

According to information received from the State Emergency Operation Centre here, a child was swept away in a flooded drain in Nainitial's Haldwani. It said a search was on to find him.

Due to heavy rains on Wednesday night, a stretch of road was washed away in Bhimbali on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek route with big stones coming down from the hill and blocking the road.

So far, 425 pilgrims have been brought to safety in helicopters from Lincholi and Bhimbali, while 1,100 pilgrims have reached Sonprayag on foot from various places with the help of rescue teams, according to police.