Heavy rains on Wednesday night caused severe damage in Rudraprayag district, prompting rescue and relief operations to evacuate stranded individuals. According to Uttarakhand police, by Thursday, 737 people had been rescued by helicopter, and at least 2,670 individuals were transported to Sonprayag by relief forces.

In an official post on X, the Uttarakhand police stated, "The rescue work of people stranded on the Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra route is continuing. 737 passengers were rescued by helicopter throughout the day. 2,670 passengers were taken to Sonprayag. SDRF, NDRF, DDRF, District Police and Administration teams are selflessly helping the devotees."

Abhinav Kumar, Director General of Police, Uttarakhand, provided updates on the relief and rescue operations and urged locals and travelers to exercise caution and follow official instructions.

Due to heavy rainfall in Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, the Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended for two days. DGP Abhinav Kumar informed that 12 NDRF and 60 SDRF teams are actively engaged in rescue operations.

Speaking to ANI, DGP Kumar said, "We received an alert from the Meteorological Department about heavy rains in the state for 48 hours. In response, the police, NDRF, SDRF, and local administration were put on alert. After the rain started last night, reports of landslides, rock falls, and other incidents began coming in from various areas."

"Teams were dispatched for relief and rescue efforts. The Chief Minister visited Tehri and Rudraprayag to meet the affected people. So far, 11 people have died in various districts, and 8 are seriously injured. By morning, about 1,000 people were stranded in Kedarnath, and 800 were stranded on the trek route."

"Due to the weather warning, we have suspended the Yatra for the next two days and restricted pilgrim movement on the Yamunotri and Kedarnath trek routes. The state government has enlisted the Air Force's help to evacuate people stranded in Kedarnath. Twelve NDRF teams and 60 SDRF teams are engaged in rescue operations," he added.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a ground inspection of the rain-affected areas in Tehri and Rudraprayag on Thursday. The heavy rains have caused extensive damage to roads, footbridges, power and water lines, and agricultural land.

Upon receiving reports of the disaster, CM Dhami immediately became active, visiting the State Disaster Operations Centre at night to assess the damage. He instructed officials to remain on high alert.

The Kedarnath Yatra has been temporarily halted due to landslides on the Kedarnath footpath to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.