A major landslide occurred near Junglechatti on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath pedestrian route, claiming the lives of two labourers and injuring three others. According to officials, five workers were swept into a deep gorge after a sudden landslide triggered heavy debris fall from the hillside. The deceased were identified as residents of Jammu who were engaged in dandi-kandi (palanquin services) for Kedarnath pilgrims.
The District Disaster Management Officer confirmed the incident, attributing it to ongoing pre-monsoon rains that have softened the hillsides. SDRF and local administration teams carried out a rescue operation, successfully retrieving the injured and transporting them to nearby health centres for primary treatment.
Pre-monsoon rainfall has been affecting most regions of Uttarakhand in recent days. The Meteorological Department had earlier forecast thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in many districts for June 19, along with heavy rain warnings in hill areas. A yellow alert remains in place for heavy showers in Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, with similar weather expected until June 23.
Authorities have urged pilgrims and locals to remain alert and follow safety advisories while travelling in high-risk zones.
