What Happened After the Cloudburst in Uttarkashi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nine individuals are missing following a cloudburst in Uttarkashi.
- Rescue operations are underway involving multiple agencies.
- Heavy rain alerts have been issued across Uttarakhand.
- Travel advisories recommend staying in safe locations and avoiding pilgrimages.
- Rescue teams are providing food and water to those affected.
Dehradun, June 29 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred when at least nine individuals went missing following a cloudburst near Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road, which resulted in a landslide in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Sunday morning.
The individuals were employed at a private hotel construction site.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with 20 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), five from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and eight police units engaged in the effort, according to official reports.
The missing persons have been identified as Dujelal (55), Keval Thapa (43), Roshani Choudhary (40), Vimla Dhami (26), Kalluram Chaudhary (55), Bobby (38), Chotu (22), Priyansh (20), and Manish Dhami (40).
Authorities have issued advisories advising pilgrims to remain at their current locations and to refrain from traveling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri until conditions improve.
The Yamnotri National Highway is blocked at Kuthnaur due to landslides and washouts caused by the intense rainfall. Five JCB machines and workers are on-site to clear the road, with officials overseeing the progress.
On the Gangotri National Highway, roads previously obstructed at Lang, Dhang, Naluna, and Dabrani have been reopened for traffic.
Rescue teams and travelers are being provided with adequate food and water supplies.
Meanwhile, Vikram Singh, Director of the Dehradun weather office, has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in several districts of Uttarakhand over the next two days.
A red alert has been issued for Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat, Haridwar, and Uddham Singh Nagar, while an orange alert is in effect for other districts starting Sunday.
Singh urged those living near water bodies to evacuate to safer areas.
“Heavy to very heavy rain is also anticipated on August 1 and 2,” he stated.
As rivers rise precariously close to their banks, the administration has released a new advisory urging residents near riverbanks to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.