Uttarkashi, June 29: At least two labourers lost their lives, and seven others are still missing after a devastating cloudburst triggered a landslide in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district early on Sunday.

The incident occurred near an under-construction hotel in the Silai area along the Yamunotri National Highway, washing away a labourers' campsite where 29 workers had taken shelter.

While 20 people were rescued, nine were reported missing. Later, it was confirmed that two people were dead.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while speaking to reporters, confirmed the recovery of two bodies.

"This morning, a large landslide occurred in Uttarkashi, trapping 29 people who were working there. Twenty people have been evacuated from their homes. Two bodies have been recovered so far," he said.

CM Dhami also assured that extensive rescue operations were underway. "NDRF, SDRF and other related teams are carrying out the rescue operations at the site. For the next two months, all the District Magistrates have been asked to remain on high alert," he stated.

The affected labourers were working at a private hotel construction site.


--IANS