By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Jun 18, 2025
Remembering the 2013 disaster that shook the Himalayas and left deep scars on Uttarakhand’s heart.
June 16, 2013: A cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides in Kedarnath and surrounding regions.
Unseasonal heavy rainfall caused the Chorabari Lake to burst, turning Mandakini River into a destructive force.
Buildings, bridges, roads, and entire villages were swept away in hours. Kedarnath town was buried under debris.
More than 5,000 lives were lost, with thousands missing. Families were torn apart and livelihoods destroyed.
The Kedarnath temple miraculously survived, shielded by a large boulder that diverted floodwaters away.
Over 100,000 people were rescued by Indian Army, IAF, NDRF and ITBP in a mission that lasted weeks.
Survivors still recall the horror—days without food, shelter, or hope as they waited to be rescued.
Massive reconstruction turned Kedarnath into a safer, modern pilgrimage site with better access and facilities.
Twelve years on, Kedarnath stands tall—honouring those lost, and inspiring resilience, faith, and renewal.