Uttarakhand hit by landslides, 9 Missing, Char Dham Yatra suspended as rescue efforts intensify

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) June 29, 2025 (ANI): In Uttarakhand, a landslide triggered by heavy rains swept through the Silai Band area near Barkot, where a hotel under construction housed 19-20 workers. Nine workers are missing, while ten have been rescued. NDRF, SDRF, and local teams are leading the rescue efforts. A 24-hour Red Alert has been issued statewide due to ongoing heavy rains, and the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours. Pilgrims have been advised to halt at designated points, and authorities are providing food and water at holding locations.On Barkot landslide, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said, "We received information at around 6 am that in the Silai Band area, a hotel was under construction where 19-20 workers were there. Nine people went missing after debris from a cloudburst swept them away. The NDRF, SDRF, and local administration are conducting the rescue operations. Ten workers were safe... The CM has directed the search for the missing people. A 24-hour Red Alert has been issued for the entire state of Uttarakhand due to heavy rains. The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours. The pilgrims are directed to stop wherever they are: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag and Vikasnagar... All the registrations are Aadhaar-linked. Bulk messages have been sent to the devotees... The DMs have been informed to arrange food and water facilities at the holding points..."