An avalanche occurred near the Chorabari glacier in the upper reaches of Kedarnath on Thursday (Sep 4) afternoon, but no damage was reported, officials said.
The Rudraprayag district administration confirmed the avalanche was recorded around 2 pm, approximately five kilometres above the Kedarnath shrine. “The situation is normal, but rescue teams have been kept on alert as a precautionary measure,” the statement said.
District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Nandan Singh Rajwar noted that avalanches are common in the high Himalayan region due to weather and natural conditions. He added that an expert team has been alerted to assess the area. He also urged pilgrims and locals not to panic and to avoid spreading rumours or misleading information.
The incident comes just days after a fatal landslide disrupted the Kedarnath pilgrimage. On Monday morning, falling debris at Munkatiya between Sonprayag and Gaurikund killed two pilgrims and injured six others when rocks and boulders struck their vehicle. The deceased were identified as Rita (30) and Chandra Singh (68), both from Barkot in Uttarkashi district. Four of the injured were later referred to higher centres for treatment.
Following the landslide and heavy rainfall, authorities temporarily suspended the Kedarnath yatra until September 3. Officials pointed out that the pilgrimage has had to be halted several times this season because of fragile terrain and adverse weather.
The Central Water Commission reported extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Uttarakhand on Monday, with Banbasa recording the highest at 256.4 mm, followed by Khatima (181 mm), Tanakpur (174 mm), Bastia (170 mm), Koti (152 mm), Chakrata (146 mm), Purola (120 mm), and Devidhura (129 mm). The heavy rain pushed rivers across the state to dangerous levels. In Rudraprayag, the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers crossed the warning mark and were measured very close to the danger line. The Ganga also swelled in Haridwar and Rishikesh, prompting loudspeaker warnings for people to stay away from the ghats.
This monsoon season has been particularly devastating. At least ten people have died and many remain missing in a series of cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods. Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Bageshwar districts have borne the brunt of repeated disasters. At the same time, a flash flood in the Kheer Ganga river on August 5 demolished nearly half of Dharali, a key stopover on the Gangotri route. Sixty-nine people missing after that incident are yet to be traced.
Adding to the concern, new glacier cracks have been detected in the mountain range behind the Kedarnath Temple. The development has alarmed environmentalists and disaster management authorities, who warn that the region may be facing increasing risks from climate change and recurring glacial activity. Experts stressed the need for urgent monitoring and preventive measures in the fragile Himalayan zone, cautioning that unchecked stress on the landscape could heighten the threat to both pilgrims and residents.
(With inputs from PTI)
Q1. Where did the latest avalanche in Kedarnath occur?
The latest avalanche was recorded in the Chorabari area of Kedarnath, about five kilometres above the shrine in Rudraprayag district.
Q2. Was there any damage reported from the Kedarnath avalanche?
No damage or casualties were reported from the avalanche in the Chorabari area of Kedarnath, though rescue teams have been kept on alert.
Q3. How have landslides affected the Kedarnath yatra?
Frequent landslides, including one at Munkatiya between Sonprayag and Gaurikund that killed two pilgrims, have repeatedly disrupted the Kedarnath pilgrimage this monsoon.
Q4. Why are avalanches common near Kedarnath’s Chorabari glacier?
Avalanches in the high Himalayan region near Chorabari glacier occur due to natural weather and terrain conditions, intensified by heavy rainfall and shifting climate patterns.
Q5. Which rivers in Uttarakhand are flowing above danger levels?
The Alaknanda, Mandakini, Yamuna, Kamla, Shalini, and Aglar rivers, along with the Ganga at Rishikesh and Haridwar, have swelled beyond warning levels due to incessant rains.
