What Impact Has Torrential Rainfall Had on Uttarakhand?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uttarakhand is under a red alert due to heavy rainfall.
- Schools have been closed as a safety measure.
- Rescue operations are ongoing with multiple agencies involved.
- Significant damage has occurred in various districts.
- Authorities are working tirelessly to restore infrastructure.
Dehradun, Aug 7 (NationPress) Uttarakhand is currently under a red alert due to warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall affecting various districts, as the monsoon continues to cause significant destruction in the hill state.
The Meteorological Department has issued this red alert until August 12 for Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, and Nainital.
In light of these conditions, schools have been temporarily closed, and residents are urged to remain indoors.
Since the previous week, continuous rainfall has resulted in considerable devastation, including two cloudbursts in Uttarkashi and another in Pauri Garhwal.
A whole village was swept away in Uttarkashi's Dharali area near Harsil. Numerous residents are reported missing, prompting large-scale rescue operations.
Personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, police, and local authorities are battling severe weather to help those stranded.
Rescue and relief teams are tirelessly working to access the most severely affected areas, despite challenging terrain and damaged infrastructure.
In the Pauri Garhwal district, a cloudburst in the Pabau and Thalisain blocks on Wednesday has resulted in multiple fatalities and extensive damage to homes, roads, and bridges, as confirmed by Garhwal MP Anil Baluni.
The Pauri District Magistrate has reported that the administration has been actively involved in rescue and relief efforts since the calamity occurred.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami commented on the situation via X, stating, "We have received tragic news regarding damage and some casualties from Buransi and Bankura villages in Pauri district. Following this, we launched rescue operations from three directions—Chaukhriyal, Pabau, and Thalisain—to reach the villages and offer assistance to the affected."
He further mentioned, "Authorities have been instructed to ensure proper medical care for the injured and to relocate those affected to safer areas."
Meanwhile, in Chamoli district close to Saldhar beyond Tapovan, nearly 20 meters of highway have been washed away due to relentless rainfall. Restoration efforts are being conducted urgently to restore connectivity in the region.
Almost every district in the state is currently assessing the damage caused by the persistent rainfall.
Extensive relief and rescue operations are underway to alleviate further destruction and support those impacted by the monsoon's fury.