Heavy rains have caused the Mandakini river to flood, washing away roads and electric poles in Sonprayag and Gaurikund, which are on the way to the Kedarnath Yatra Route. Since Wednesday evening, at least six people have died in rain-related incidents across Uttarakhand. Many pilgrims and tourists are now stranded on the Sonprayag-Kedarnath road due to the severe weather. Cloudbursts, landslides and other natural disasters have affected Kedarnath Yatra Route. The situation is dire as the flooding has disrupted travel and caused significant damage in the region. Efforts are underway to help those affected and restore normalcy. Watch video for more.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Badrinath seat, has expressed grave concern over the alleged 228 kilograms gold scam involving the Kedarnath shrine. He criticized authorities for not initiating an investigation into the Kedarnath gold scam controversy surrounding the gold-plating of the shrine in 2022. Swami Avimukteshwaranand issued a stern warning, urging strict action and threatening legal recourse if necessary. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in religious affairs, stating his readiness to take the matter to court to ensure justice prevails. The controversy has sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the management and oversight of sacred sites in India.