DEHRADUN: In a harrowing incident on the Kedarnath Yatra route in Rudraprayag district, a devastating landslide claimed the lives of at least five individuals, including three pilgrims from Gujarat. The catastrophe unfolded on Thursday night as incessant rains battered the region, burying a car carrying the victims under debris near Tarsali in the Phata area. While the bodies of those unfortunate souls were recovered on Friday, a fifth victim remained to be identified.
Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, took swift action in response to the disaster, personally assessing the situation on the ground. The Chief Minister's inspection extended to the rain-affected Kotdwar area, which had witnessed another landslide a couple of days prior, causing a man to go missing and severing crucial bridges, isolating a considerable population from the rest of the state. During this inspection, Assembly Speaker and local MLA Ritu Khanduri accompanied Dhami, demonstrating unity in the face of adversity.
Dhami promptly directed the Pauri District Magistrate to oversee the repair of a damaged bridge in Gadighati and examined an alternate bridge over the Malan River, connecting Kotdwar and Bhabar. Speaking to the media, Dhami emphasized the government's primary focus on restoring normalcy in the state, hampered by the relentless monsoon rains. Urgent aid and relief efforts were launched to assist those affected by this calamity.
The severity of the situation was further underscored by the Meteorological Department's issuance of alerts. An orange alert for heavy rain encompassed six districts on Friday, with a subsequent red alert spanning the next three days. In response, Dhami cautioned residents and tourists to avoid nonessential travel via a tweet. The Chief Minister also mobilized the district administration and SDRF, maintaining a vigilant stance round the clock, while the Dehradun Meteorological Center continued to forecast challenges ahead.
“Red and orange alerts have been issued by the Meteorological Department in many districts of the state. All the residents and tourists are requested to avoid unnecessary travel,” Dhami said in a tweet.
As the rain-related crisis continued to grip Uttarakhand, the toll on normal life became evident. Landslides, floods, and cloudbursts, exacerbated by an unusually heavy monsoon, led to substantial loss of life and property. The State Emergency Operation Center reported 58 fatalities, 37 injuries, and 19 individuals missing, along with significant damage to homes, agriculture, roads, and bridges.
The calamitous situation necessitated both immediate relief efforts and long-term strategies to address deficiencies and mitigate future risks. With the region on high alert, the state government, led by Chief Minister Dhami, remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
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