Pilgrim swept away in Mandakini river
A 22-year-old named Rahul went missing when strong currents swept him away while his group was crossing the Mandakini River between Rambada and Lincholi on their way back from Kedarnath. The group, from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, was trekking together when the incident happened.
Rescue operation still on
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) managed to rescue five members of Rahul's group—Vishnu Chaudhary, Kunal, Mahesh Chaudhary, Shibhav Kumar, and Shibhav (21)—but searching for Rahul has been tough due to darkness and fast waters. The team is still looking for him.
Tips for safe trekking
This incident is a reminder that the Kedarnath trek can be risky because of unpredictable weather and tricky terrain. If you're planning a trip like this, make sure you're physically ready and always follow local safety guidelines.