Dehradun, June 29 (UNI) A midnight cloudburst triggered a massive landslide leaving nine construction workers missing as a thick mass of muck and debris engulfed their camp today in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, prompting the authorities to suspend Chardham pilgrimage on Yamunotri track for the next 24 hours.
A joint search and rescue operation has been launched by multiple agencies around the disaster spot on Yamunotri National Highway.
Police and rescue team members said around 19 workers were trapped under the thick mass of sludge that slid down after the midnight cloudburst.
The deluge of sludge and debris completely devastated the labour camp where workers had put up tents. Ten workers were rescued safely by the teams of local police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response (NDRF), National Highway and district administration.
However, nine workers were still missing. Police said five of the missing persons were of Nepalese origin, three were from Dehradun and one was from Uttar Pradesh. The missing persons were mainly road construction workers and those engaged in a nearby under-construction hotel.
Reacting to the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami posted on 'X', "It's reported that some workers are missing in a landslide at Silai Band area of Barkot Tehsil in district Uttarkashi. SDRF, NDRF and other teams have reached the site. They have launched an intensive relief and rescue operation to find missing persons. I am in constant touch with the authorities concerned."
Meanwhile, the Uttarkashi district administration is ensuring controlled access of the Yamunotri National Highway laying priority on public safety. Chardham pilgrimage has been suspended on the route for the next 24 hours.
The step has been been taken for the safety of the pilgrims stranded on the way as the road is blocked at several places due to landslides caused by the sudden cloudburst. Stranded pilgrims are being taken to safer locations by the police and district administration.
Incessant rains for nearly two days in this hill area have caused multiple road fractures on Yamunotri Highways blocking the road on several points, informed SDRF officials. Efforts are being made to clear the road and restore connectivity. UNI XC SSP