Kedarnath
Temple region was the
worst hit during the torrential rains and flash flood that lashed the
Uttarakhand region in June 2013. Kedarnath
Temple is safe but will
remain closed for a year. 18-km stretch between Gaurikund and Kedarnath is the
worst hit region. There is nearly eight to ten feet debris in the area.
Kedarnath Temple is part of the
Char
Dham Yatra in
Uttarakhand, India. In 2013,
Kedarnath Temple opened
on May 14, 2013. The annual pilgrimage to the temple attracts thousands of
people. Annually, the temple closes during Diwali. The shrine remains closed
during the harsh winter period (November to April).
In 2013, the early monsoon and the flash flood that
accompanied it caused havoc in the region. There is no idea regarding the
number of deaths.
Roaring waters of River Mandikini in Kedarnath Valley
washed away all encroachments.
The ancient Kedarnath
Temple alone stands. Much of these shops and hotels were built on encroached land. Nearly 40 hotels on the banks of Mandakini River was destroyed.