Nine missing after landslide hits Labour Camp in Uttarakhand, Char Dham Yatra halted amid torrential rain

Nine laborers are missing after a massive landslide — triggered by relentless overnight rain—engulfed a makeshift labor camp near Silai Band on the Yamunotri National Highway, prompting authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra and launch a high-alert rescue operation.

The incident occurred around 2 am on June 29, roughly 4 – 5 kilometers ahead of Paligad, officials said. Of the 19 laborers staying at the site, 10 were pulled to safety while the remaining nine are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue efforts are ongoing in challenging terrain, with teams forced to proceed on foot after a 10–12 metre stretch of the highway was washed away.

The missing have been identified as Duje Lal (55), Keval Thapa (43), Roshan Chaudhary (40), Vimla Rani (36), Kalluram Chaudhary (55), Bobby (38), Chotu (22), Priyansh (20), and Manish Dhami (40)—all engaged in the construction of a nearby hotel, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

“The landslide was triggered by intense rainfall in the region. Our team was dispatched immediately, but the road collapse forced them to trek the final stretch,” an SDRF officer said. “Some workers managed to flee when the hillside gave way, but we believe the missing were asleep at the time.”

A joint force comprising personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, revenue, and health departments has been deployed. Operations continue despite terrain difficulties and persistent rain.

In light of the incident and widespread risk of further landslides, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced a one-day suspension of the Char Dham Yatra as a precautionary measure. “Public safety is our top priority. Pilgrims have been halted at safe locations and advisories have been issued to avoid travel until further notice,” he said.

Authorities have placed all district administrations on high alert. Restoration work on the damaged highway section is underway, and a fresh assessment of weather and road conditions will determine if the pilgrimage can resume on Monday.

Officials have urged citizens to refrain from spreading rumors and to rely solely on verified information from authorized sources.