Massive landslide near Surkanda Devi Temple in Tehri Garhwal brings down hotel, house; video goes viral
PTC Web Desk: Heavy monsoon showers triggered a landslide near the entrance to the Surkanda Devi Temple in Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district on Thursday, leading to the collapse of a hotel and a residential structure. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported as authorities had cleared the vulnerable area before the incident.
Videos shared by locals on social media captured the dramatic moment when rain-weakened earth gave way, bringing down buildings within seconds. The incident took place at Kaddukhal, a key stop on the route to the popular hill shrine.
Fortunately no casualties or injuries. The building had been vacated.
But take a look at the slope and the kind of construction.... Is it really that much of a surprise that it collapsed.#uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/ijU6EgOT5c
— Sidharth Shukla (@sidhshuk) July 9, 2026
According to officials from the District Disaster Management Department, the landslide struck near a cluster of shops along National Highway 707A. An old unoccupied building suffered significant damage, while two restaurants, roadside kiosks and temporary labour shelters located in the danger zone had already been evacuated as a precaution.
Authorities confirmed that there has been no loss of human life or livestock.
The district administration said initial findings indicate that excavation work being carried out for the construction of a private hotel may have weakened the hillside, contributing to the slope failure. A detailed assessment is underway to determine the exact cause of the landslide and evaluate the damage.
The incident comes as Uttarakhand continues to experience persistent rainfall since Wednesday night, raising concerns over landslides across several hill districts. The ongoing monsoon has increased the vulnerability of mountain slopes, prompting authorities to closely monitor sensitive areas.
Officials have appealed to residents, tourists and pilgrims travelling through the region to exercise caution, avoid landslide-prone stretches whenever possible and follow advisories issued by the administration until weather conditions improve.
- With inputs from agencies
