Kedarnath slammed in 15 minutes by

15-feet wall of water

Kedarnath: Kedarnath is a ghost town today.

As we finally managed to touch down today, just behind the shrine, the sheer devastation of what happened hit us.

As we walk towards the shrine it is almost as if the temple, still standing tall and majestic in the centre, was built on the banks of two streams on either side. But a closer look reveals that these two channels, where the earth has been cut through, were made recently by the surging flood water which came down from the summit behind the shrine. Within 15 minutes, a 15-feet-high wall of water, mixed with silt and boulders, slammed Kedarnath. It split into two streams and gathered pace as it went down the narrow valley.

Almost five days later there is not a living soul in Kedarnath. Only two mongrels and some abandoned horses in the distance.

Despite the magnitude of the disaster, the temple seems intact but as we walk toward the entrance a huddled mass blocks it. A small hand with a bangle sticks out as it becomes apparent that there are several bodies almost in fetal position.

The temple may be intact on the outside but it is clear that water did enter the structure. These unlucky souls may have tried to shelter near the temple.

In parts, sand and silt have completely covered single storey structures. Authorities fear that many may be buried below.

But while the Air Force and private helicopters furiously fly sorties to evacuate Kedarnath, on the short flight up the mountain, we can see hundreds stranded on the narrow walking path from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. These people are in dire situations, stranded in the middle, cut off not only from Kedarnath but also from the base of the mountain.

Several dozen groups on small isolated patches have had to fend for themselves. Helicopters drop food and water but it is simply not enough as it is also difficult to get to the narrow ledges for the helicopters. On the way back I notice a helicopter which crashed today on one of these ledges while trying to rescue those stranded. Thankfully, the pilot walked out and was rescued by an Air Force helicopter. But that's one helicopter less as all involved rush to try and evacuate those who are stranded on the route to Kedarnath. The Met department has warned that there may be rain on Saturday, which could make the situation critical with the threat of fresh landslides