About 1,500 pilgrims were successfully evacuated by officials who faced no harm after a landslide that blocked their way to the holy shrine Kedarnath in Uttarakhand at Chirbasa, officials informed on September 28. This place lies about three kilometres ahead of Gaurikund in the Rudraprayag district.

The incident took place on Sunday evening and left the pilgrims stranded on the other side of the blockage. There was a gathering of rocks and debris near the Chirbasa helipad, while constant rockfall from the hill made it risky for anyone to go through the affected region.

After getting information from Sonprayag police, the rescue team from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) came to the rescue. The team analyzed the entire scenario and helped the stranded pilgrims cross the blockage zone safely.

The rescued pilgrims were then escorted to Gaurikund where they would find themselves safe from there.

This happened against the backdrop of persistent rain in Uttarakhand. The Char Dham Yatra had been canceled for two consecutive days owing to the bad weather. There was constant surveillance of the pilgrimage route and other sensitive locations.

Efforts are still underway to clear debris and restore the affected footpath. Pilgrims have also been advised to strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the administration and to avoid passing through landslide-affected zones.

It was a sigh of relief for the trapped pilgrims and the administration is still monitoring the weather and the situation at the Kedarnath trail.