At least 300 people were stranded in Dharchula and Gunji in the Uttarakhand district of Pithoragarh after a landslide obliterated a vital road.
On the Lipulekh-Tawaghat road, located approximately 45 kilometers above Dharchula near Lakhanpur, a significant portion of the incline collapsed onto the road, causing 100 meters of it to be swept away.
A video that went viral on the internet depicts an enormous landslide that occurred on the China-bordering Lipulekh road in Pithoragarh.
A number of devotees en route to the ‘Adi Kailash’ yatra escaped unharmed. “The road will be opened by May 18 to facilitate the movement of ‘Adi Kailash’ yatra pilgrims,” stated the Sub-District Magistrate.
Landslide in Uttrakhand 300 stranded
According to the district administration, the affected road is located on the fringes of Pithoragarh and is expected to reopen within the next two days. Those stranded in Dharchula and Gunji are currently awaiting rescue and assistance.
Several districts of Uttarakhand, including Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Garhwal, Hardwar, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi, have been issued a warning for dust storms and thunderstorms.
Given the circumstances, the authorities have issued a warning urging all pilgrims to seek refuge in secure locations. Authorities have emphasized the significance of avoiding superfluous travel and parking in secure areas. Officials have specifically requested that devotees undertaking the Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham Yatra consider the weather forecast when planning their journeys.
“Pilgrims, please stay in safe areas, avoid unnecessary travel, and park your vehicles in secure areas, landslides/geo. “Only travel when the weather is clear,” stated the advisory.
“All the devotees coming for the Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham Yatra are urged to plan their journey based on the weather forecast and to bring a raincoat, an umbrella, and woolen/warm clothing with them on the journey,” the document added.
The police have suggested bringing a raincoat, an umbrella, and warm apparel on the trek to prepare for inclement weather.
