Rudraprayag, July 3: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully rescued around 40 devotees who were stranded near Sonprayag, a key transit point on the route to Kedarnath Dham, following a sudden landslide triggered by heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred around 10 PM on July 2, when debris from the landslide blocked the path, trapping pilgrims returning from the sacred shrine. SDRF teams swiftly reached the site and conducted a high-risk rescue mission under hazardous conditions, navigating through unstable terrain and falling debris.

Visuals shared by SDRF show officers guiding devotees through temporary trails and assisting them to safety. The operation was part of a broader emergency response as heavy rains continue to disrupt life across Uttarakhand, with landslides reported on the Badrinath and Yamunotri highways, and essential services like electricity and water supply affected in multiple districts.

Authorities have temporarily suspended the Kedarnath Yatra as a precautionary measure, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for intense rainfall and thunderstorms in several hill districts.

This rescue underscores the critical role of SDRF and other emergency services in safeguarding pilgrims during the monsoon season in the Himalayan region.

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