An avalanche struck the Sumeru Parvat area near the Gandhi Sarovar Lake in the Kedarnath Valley early Sunday morning, sending plumes of powdery snow cascading down the glacier. Fortunately, authorities have reported no loss of life or property due to the incident, which occurred approximately seven kilometers from the revered Kedarnath shrine.
The disaster management authorities in Rudraprayag confirmed that the avalanche occurred around 5 am near the source of the Saraswati River. Despite the avalanche, there was no significant change observed in the water level of the river.
Yogendra Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, assured that the avalanche occurred far from the Kedarnath temple itself, minimizing any potential impact on pilgrims or local residents. “The incident took place in the snow-clad peaks of Sumeru mountains, away from populated areas,” he stated.
Local residents and pilgrims visiting the area were witness to the dramatic event, capturing footage of the avalanche on their mobile phones as the snow plume descended from the glacier over nearly a minute. Anand Shukla, a temple priest at Kedarnath, described the sight: “The snow broke away from the glacier early in the morning, creating a spectacle that many witnessed and recorded.”
Commenting on the natural occurrence, Sumer Singh, who serves pilgrims along the Kedarnath Yatra route, noted, “Avalanches like this are common during the rainy season when heavy, moist snow can dislodge from the peaks after periods of rain and snowfall.”
The Kedarnath Valley, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters above sea level, holds significant spiritual and environmental importance. The region has witnessed similar incidents in the past, including glacier breaks and avalanches that have occasionally impacted trekking routes and local infrastructure.
In recent years, efforts have been made to enhance disaster preparedness and response in the area, particularly following the devastating flash floods in 2013 that severely affected Kedarnath town. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) remains vigilant, ensuring swift action in the event of natural disasters in the region.
Sources By Agencies
