19 May 2017 | 05:05 PM UTC
India: Landslide in Uttarakhand state strands thousands of Hindu pilgrims May 19
A landslide near Vishnuprayag, Uttarakhand state, blocks major highway on May 19; thousands of Hindu pilgrims stranded
Event
A landslide occurred near Vishnuprayag in Uttarakhand state on Friday, May 19, blocking the Rishikehs-Badrinath National Highway in the Chamoli district. According to local officials, an estimated 15,000 Hindu pilgrims are stranded on either side of the blocked highway. Clearing operations are ongoing and are expected to be completed on Saturday, May 20. Expect significant transportation disruptions in the area.
Context
The landslide blocked access to the Hindu site at Badrinath. Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the Char Dham yatra, a pilgrimage to the four sacred shrines at Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gamgotri, and Yamunotri.
Landslides are common in Uttarakhand state. In 2013, heavy rains caused a landslide in the Kedarnath valley that killed an estimated 5000 people, most of them Hindu pilgrims.
Advice
Individuals traveling in Uttarakhand state are advised to monitor the situation, to avoid areas directly impacted by the landslide, and to allow additional time to travel.
