Nine Workers Missing After Massive Landslide Hits Labour Camp Near Silai Band in Uttarkashi; Char Dham Yatra Suspended Amid Torrential Rainfall
Uttarakhand is once again grappling with the fury of nature, as relentless and heavy rains triggered a major landslide near the Silai Band area of Uttarkashi district, resulting in nine labourers going missing in the early hours of Sunday.
The landslide, which struck a labour camp situated approximately 4 to 5 kilometres ahead of Paligad on the Yamunotri National Highway, occurred following intense and prolonged rainfall that began late Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning.
According to officials overseeing the ongoing rescue and relief operations, there were 19 labourers staying in the camp when the landslide hit.
While 10 individuals managed to escape to safety — some reportedly fleeing at the first signs of danger — nine others have not been accounted for and are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue teams have been tirelessly searching for them amidst difficult terrain and disrupted road connectivity.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed that the missing individuals 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)
- Manish Dhami (40)
Preliminary investigations suggest that the workers were engaged in construction work, likely related to a hotel project in the area. Authorities believe that several victims may have been asleep in their tents when the landslide struck, leaving them little to no time to react.
The SDMA stated that it first received alerts regarding the intense rainfall and a potential landslide at around 2:12 AM on Sunday. Following this, the District Emergency Operations Centre immediately swung into action, dispatching a multi-agency team to the site.
Rescue efforts are currently being conducted by a coordinated force comprising personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, Revenue Department, Health Department, and other relevant authorities.
However, the operations have not been without challenges. The landslide washed away an estimated 10 to 12 metres of the Yamunotri National Highway in the affected zone, making vehicular access impossible. As a result, rescue teams had to reach the disaster site on foot, navigating treacherous, rain-soaked terrain with the added risk of further landslides.
A senior SDRF officer at the scene explained the situation:
“The sudden landslide was triggered by the sheer intensity and volume of rainfall. Of the 19 labourers residing in the camp, many woke up and fled, but the rest were likely asleep when the debris came crashing down. Our efforts to locate the missing individuals continue, despite the extremely difficult conditions.”
The incident has had far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate tragedy. In the interest of public safety, the Char Dham Yatra, a major religious pilgrimage attracting lakhs of devotees every year, has been suspended for at least one day.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced the suspension, citing continued heavy rainfall and the rising risk of landslides across the hilly state. He noted that this decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect the lives of pilgrims and ensure they are not left stranded in unsafe conditions.
“The safety of the pilgrims is our utmost priority. Until weather conditions stabilize and road connectivity is restored, the Char Dham Yatra will remain suspended. Pilgrims currently en route have been advised to stay at designated safe locations,” said Commissioner Pandey.
All relevant district administrations have been put on high alert, and emergency protocols have been activated. Rescue and relief teams are in place to assist those affected by the weather and provide support wherever required.
A final decision regarding the resumption of the Yatra is expected by Monday after officials conduct a thorough assessment of the prevailing weather conditions and the condition of damaged road infrastructure.
The SDRF, in its official advisory, has urged the public to remain calm and not to fall prey to rumours or unverified information circulating on social media. Citizens have been asked to contact only official helplines and departments in case of emergency.
“Traffic has been strictly regulated on all sensitive routes. We request the public to cooperate with the administration and follow only authentic sources of information,” the statement read.
As rescue efforts continue and the state monitors the weather closely, the tragedy has once again highlighted the fragile nature of human settlements in Uttarakhand’s ecologically sensitive regions.
The coming hours and days will be critical as the state balances the urgent needs of rescue with the broader challenge of ensuring the safety of thousands of pilgrims and residents caught in the grip of nature’s fury.
