A landslide struck a group of pilgrims on the Yamunotri trek in Uttarakhand on Monday, June 23, 2025, resulting in a tragic loss of life and prompting a large-scale rescue operation. The incident occurred near Kainchi Bhairav Mandir, a location on the route to the Yamunotri shrine.
According to disaster management officials, five pilgrims were caught in the path of the landslide, which was triggered by heavy rainfall. As of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, two bodies have been recovered, one pilgrim was rescued with injuries, and the search continues for the remaining two missing individuals.
The deceased have been identified as Harishankar, 47, and his daughter Khyati, 8, from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Rasik, a pilgrim from Mumbai, was rescued in injured condition and is currently receiving treatment at a public health center in Jankichatti. His condition is reported to be stable. The two missing pilgrims are Bhavika Sharma, 11, from Delhi, and Kamlesh Jethwa, 35, from Mumbai.
Rasik recounted the harrowing experience, stating that he was returning with his friends after visiting Yamunotri Dham when debris and boulders suddenly began cascading down the hillside. Before they could react, he and a companion were swept into a ditch along with the rubble.
Following the incident, a joint rescue operation was launched by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police. The search continued through Tuesday, with efforts focused on locating the two missing pilgrims. However, the daylong operation yielded no results. The challenging terrain and persistent rainfall have made rescue efforts difficult.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya is closely monitoring the situation and has directed officials to provide comprehensive assistance to the affected families. He also plans to visit the site to assess the situation firsthand.
In light of the landslide and ongoing rescue operations, the Yamunotri pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended. The trek route has been closed to pilgrims until the debris is cleared, and the damaged railing on the pedestrian path is repaired. Pilgrims have been advised to stay at designated shelters for their safety. The District Magistrate has ordered the suspension of the Yatra from Jankichatti. Authorities are also working to restore an alternative pedestrian route via Bheneli Gad. If weather conditions improve and the route is deemed safe, the yatra is expected to resume on Wednesday.
The landslide occurred amidst a period of heavy pre-monsoon rainfall in Uttarakhand, increasing the risk of such incidents in the region.
