A devastating cloudburst struck the Silai Band area on the Barkot–Yamunotri route early Sunday morning, causing widespread destruction and leaving nine labourers missing near an under-construction hotel in Baligarh. The disaster, triggered by intense rainfall overnight, also forced Uttarakhand authorities to temporarily halt the Char Dham Yatra for safety reasons.

According to officials, the cloudburst caused a sudden landslide that swept through a labour camp near the hotel construction site, where 19 workers were residing. Emergency services confirmed that while 10 of them were safely rescued, the remaining nine have not yet been located.

New Hazard Zone Emerges Unexpectedly

Speaking on the situation, District Magistrate Prashant Arya said, “There is an under-construction hotel near Silai. Adjacent to it, a new landslide zone has developed where no such incident had occurred before — it was considered a safe area.” He added that “The rubble cascaded down near the hotel and hit the labourers’ campsite.”

Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local police forces were quickly dispatched and are actively searching for the missing workers under difficult weather conditions.

Highway Collapse and Widespread Impact

The Yamunotri National Highway has sustained significant damage, with nearly 10–12 meters of the road reportedly washed away. The landslide also affected nearby pilgrimage routes, hindering traffic and posing further danger to travelers.

Confirming the scale of the damage, Uttarakhand police issued a statement: “Heavy landslide in Silai Band on Yamunotri Highway due to excessive rainfall. 9 workers missing, 10 rescued and safely evacuated. 10–12 meter section of the highway washed away. NDRF, and police are engaged in relief and rescue operations.”

Red Alert Prompts Pilgrimage Suspension

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert across the region for Sunday and Monday, citing risks of extreme rainfall, lightning, and thunderstorms. In response, officials suspended the Char Dham Yatra for 24 hours.

“Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours in view of the heavy rain alert. Instructions have been given to the police and administration officials to stop the pilgrims in Haridwar,” said Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey.

Pilgrims are being held at multiple transit points including Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Vikasnagar, and Sonprayag as a precautionary step.

Landslides Cripple Connectivity

The disruption is not limited to Yamunotri. The Badrinath National Highway, a vital route for pilgrims, has been closed near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani due to ongoing landslides. Chamoli Police reported on social media that road clearance operations are currently underway.

Over 40,000 residents in the Kumaon region have been left isolated as heavy rainfall over the weekend blocked at least 72 roads. Power outages have been reported across multiple districts including Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar, where emergency response teams are racing to restore connectivity and electricity.

State on High Alert

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is actively monitoring the situation and has urged the public to remain cautious. “Given the forecast of heavy rainfall in hilly and some plain areas of the state, people are advised to stay alert,” he said, also sharing that he is in constant communication with local authorities overseeing rescue and relief operations.

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management, stated that all relevant departments are on standby. “All departments have been directed to remain on standby and take necessary measures for the safety of residents and pilgrims,” he said.

To prevent further hardships, officials have also been asked to take action against the overpricing of essential items during this time.

Pilgrimage Season Interrupted

The Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s holiest pilgrimages that typically draws lakhs of devotees between April and October, is facing major disruptions this season due to relentless rain and road blockages. The pilgrimage routes to Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri have all seen weather-related interruptions over the past week.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Search and rescue operations continue at the disaster site in Silai Band, where teams are digging through debris in hopes of finding the missing workers. Given the weather forecast, authorities have advised locals and pilgrims alike to avoid travel in landslide-prone regions and follow official safety guidance until the situation stabilises.