Cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi 2 Dead, 9 Missing in Hotel Site Landslide

A tragic cloudburst struck Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand early Saturday, triggering a massive landslide near Silai Band on the Barkot–Yamunotri highway. The debris crashed into an under-construction hotel site where several workers were staying in tents. Two laborers have been confirmed dead, and at least nine others—mostly Nepali workers—are reported missing. Rescue operations by the NDRF, SDRF, police, and local teams are ongoing, but challenging weather and terrain are slowing progress. The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for 24 hours as a safety measure, and over 72 roads across the region have been blocked, cutting off more than 40,000 people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for continued heavy rainfall in the region through June 30, warning of more landslides, flash floods, and road closures. Residents and pilgrims are advised to stay alert and follow all safety advisories.