
Kedarnath Yatra Halted As Landslides Block Route
The sudden closure of the road left around 2,500 pilgrims stranded in Gaurikund, Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde said, adding they are being brought safely to Sonprayag by SDRF and NDRF teams.
Officials said it will take 2-3 days to repair the road and appealed to pilgrims bound for Kedarnath to visit other places of religious interest in the area during the period.
"Around 50 to 70 metres of the road between Munkatiya and Gaurikund has been completely washed out. An alternative pedestrian route which was being used is also broken. As the quantity of landslide debris is huge, it will take two to three days for the path to become smooth," Konde said.
Information about the opening of the path will be shared through the social media cell of Rudraprayag Police, he said.
SDRF and NDRF personnel are trying to find alternate pedestrian routes through the surrounding forests to evacuate the pilgrims stranded in Gaurikund to Sonprayag, the SP said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
Kerala likely to get below-normal rain in August, September
Although Kerala received normal rainfall halfway through, a lean phase appears to be looming over the State during the remaining two months of the southwest monsoon season. The State received 1,190.5 mm of rain during the first two months of the season against the average of 1,301.7 from June 1 to July 31, the peak southwest monsoon in Kerala. The rainfall in the seasonal half is 9% short of normal rainfall. However, a deviation of up to plus or minus 19% is considered normal rainfall by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD warns of below-normal rainfall for Kerala in August and September, suggesting that Kerala is likely to end up with a deficit season this year. Couple of intense spells Speaking to The Hindu, Neetha K. Gopal, IMD Director, Thiruvananthapuram, said the southwest monsoon is likely to slip into a weak phase during the remaining half of the season. 'This doesn't mean that the rain will keep away. We expect a couple of intense spells, and the latest one to be around August 8 for two days, but cumulatively the overall rainfall will be in the below-normal category,' said Ms. Gopal. Traditionally, Kerala receives the highest average monthly rainfall in July (653.5 mm), followed by June (648.3 mm), August (445 mm), and September (271 mm). Though the monsoon trough now runs at mean sea level at its normal position, it will soon shift to the north of its position, closer to the Himalayan foothills, leading to scanty rainfall or a 'break in monsoon' in south India and heavy spells in northern India. Further, the prospects of forming monsoon systems over the Bay of Bengal with a position favourable to the Kerala and Konkan belt seem to be bleak for the time being. This, along with a poor monsoon surge from the Arabian Sea and weakened westerly wind flow, may reduce the rainfall activity over the State. The speciality of the healthy monsoon rain Kerala received so far was its almost even distribution without any major extreme spells. The appearance of the offshore trough along the west coast, one of the main features of the intense monsoon rainfalls in Kerala, was seen only a few days in the first half of the season. Instead, the cross-equatorial flow propelled the widespread and somewhat even distribution of the rain in Kerala. Similarly, most of the days, northwesterly winds were seen along the coast of Kerala, instead of westerlies. The westerly wind blowing into the State straightaway from the Arabian Sea towards the Western Ghats normally leads to heavy spells, while the change in direction of the wind will deprive the State of its orographic advantage, according to experts.


India.com
10 hours ago
- India.com
8 Fascinating Reasons Why Tawang Should Be On Every Wanderlust List
Tawang Town sits high in the Himalayas where India meets Tibet. It has mystery, culture, and history woven into every stone path and prayer flag. When you first arrive in Tawang, something shifts. You leave behind the usual travel rush and step into a world of prayer wheels fluttering in the wind, yak bells echoing on mountain trails, and ancient monasteries that seem to touch the sky. What makes Tawang so different from any other hill town in India? It's not just the altitude or the chilly air; it's the feeling of being on a sacred frontier where every turn reveals a new story and every smile greets you with warmth. Here are the Top 8 Fascinating Facts About Tawang Town that every traveler should know. 1. Home to India's Largest Monastery Tawang Monastery sits on a hillside overlooking the town. It was founded in the 17th century and is the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world. The golden roofs and white walls shine against the blue sky. More than 500 monks live and study here, making it a true center of learning and prayer. 2. Birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama Tawang is believed to be the birthplace of Tsangyang Gyatso, the Sixth Dalai Lama. His poems and songs still echo in local festivals. His story adds a layer of romantic mystery to this remote town. 3. Gateway to the McMahon Line Tawang lies near the McMahon Line, the border between India and Tibet drawn in 1914. The rugged passes and valleys here carry stories of explorers, traders, and pilgrims who crossed this high frontier for centuries. 4. Misty Mountain Lakes Just a short drive from town you find emerald lakes like Gorichen and Sangestar. Their calm waters reflect snow peaks and prayer flags. One local tale says fairies once danced on these shores at dusk. 5. Rich Tribal Culture Tawang is home to the Monpa tribe, whose colorful clothes, wooden masks, and bamboo houses give the town a unique charm. You can join them for a cup of butter tea or watch the masked dances during Losar, the Monpa New Year. 6. Ancient Fort Ruins On a ridge above Tawang, you can explore the ruins of an old fort called Gyangong Do. It once guarded the trade route to Tibet. The moss-covered walls and crumbling towers make for a perfect hike and a glimpse into forgotten history. 7. Himalayan Wildlife The forests around Tawang hide animals like takin (a goat antelope), red panda, snow leopard, and many kinds of pheasants. In spring the rhododendron blooms paint the hills red and pink, drawing birdwatchers and nature lovers. 8. Unique Festivals Tawang hosts the Torgya and Choksar festivals every winter. The whole town turns into a stage for masked dances, drumbeats, and ancient rituals meant to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Why Explore Tawang Town? Isn't It Too Remote? Let's flip that idea. Remote doesn't mean unreachable or uncomfortable. It means untouched and authentic. While other hill towns fill up with hotels and cafes, Tawang remains a place where you discover hidden corners. Prepare to trade big crowds for quiet trails, noisy bars for monastery chants, and fast food for butter tea and momos. Practical Tips: How to Travel Tawang Like a Local Dress in layers. Mornings are cold; afternoons can warm up. Carry cash. ATMs are few and far between. Book permits early. Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Try local food. Momos, thukpa (noodle soup), and butter tea are musts. Respect monastery rules. Walk clockwise, don't touch prayer wheels, and ask before taking photos inside. The Hidden Economy of Tawang: Why It Matters Beyond Instagram Every homestay you stay in, every momo you eat, and every prayer flag you buy supports local families and monks. Your visit helps keep ancient traditions alive and gives value to the forests and fields around town. When you choose community guides over big tour operators, you help protect these sacred landscapes from overdevelopment. Final Thought So what's stopping you from discovering Tawang Town in Arunachal Pradesh? It's more than a stop on the map. It's a threshold where history, faith, and nature converge under prayer flags fluttering in the Himalayan wind. Tawang doesn't just offer views and stories. It offers a chance to slow down, listen to centuries of whispers in stone and wood, and leave a part of your heart in those misty mountain lanes.


Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
India to get normal rainfall in August; above normal in September, predicts IMD
Representative image (ANI) NEW DELHI: India is expected to receive above-normal rainfall during the second half of the monsoon season , August and September, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In an online press briefing on Thursday, IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that most regions, barring the Northeast and adjoining eastern parts of the country, are likely to witness normal rainfall in August, while September is projected to record above-normal rainfall. India has already received above-average rainfall in the first half of the season (June–July), with some states like Himachal Pradesh witnessing flash floods. 'Overall, above-normal rainfall (106 percent of the long period average of 422.8 mm) is most likely over the country during the second half of the southwest monsoon season,' Mohapatra said. He added that rainfall will be normal to above normal across most regions, except parts of Northeast, eastern India, central India, and southwestern peninsular India, where a shortfall is likely. Although rainfall activity may remain subdued over the next two weeks, it does not meet the criteria for a 'break monsoon phase', the IMD clarified. A break phase refers to a temporary monsoon pause when the rain-bearing trough shifts closer to the Himalayan foothills. Between June 1 and July 31, the country recorded 474.3 mm of rainfall against a normal of 445.8 mm, marking a 6% surplus. There were 624 very heavy rainfall events and 76 extremely heavy rainfall events, the lowest in five years, Mohapatra noted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo He also highlighted that Northeast India has seen below-normal rainfall for the fifth consecutive year, in line with a 30-year declining trend in monsoon activity in the region. The strong July rains were attributed to favorable Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) conditions and six low-pressure systems, of which four intensified into depressions. 'Among them, three formed over land and moved from Gangetic West Bengal/Northern Bay of Bengal to Rajasthan, triggering frequent heavy to very heavy rainfall and even extremely heavy rainfall on some days,' said the IMD. The IMD also reported that ENSO-neutral conditions are currently prevailing and likely to continue through October, with a possibility of weak La Niña conditions post-monsoon. In May, the weather office had predicted monsoon rainfall at 106% of the long-period average of 87 cm for the June–September period. Rainfall between 96% and 104% is considered normal. The monsoon is crucial for India's economy, particularly the agriculture sector, which sustains nearly 42% of the population and contributes over 18% to the GDP. It also plays a key role in replenishing water reservoirs essential for drinking water and power generation.