Uttarakhand Hit by Heavy Rains, Chief Minister Urges Vigilance

DEHRADUN: Heavy rains accompanied by an 'orange alert' from the Meteorological office wreaked havoc in various parts of Uttarakhand, resulting in casualties and disrupting normal life. At least two individuals lost their lives in rain-related incidents, emphasizing the need for caution during this challenging weather. Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, visited the disaster control room in Dehradun to assess the situation and advised Char Dham pilgrims to prioritize safety and stay updated with weather forecasts.

The Meteorological department's forecast highlighted the possibility of intense rainfall in isolated areas of Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Dehradun, Tehri, and Pauri districts. As anticipated, the incessant rain triggered landslides, causing road blockages and hampering transportation. Additionally, the water levels in several rivers, including the Ganga, rose significantly, posing further challenges for the affected regions.

Tragically, one incident involved a 50-year-old man named Anil Bisht, who lost his life when his vehicle was trapped under debris due to a landslide in Rudraprayag district. Two other vehicles were also damaged during this unfortunate incident. In a separate occurrence, a youth identified as Abhishek (20) was killed, and three others were injured while working in a field for transplantation in the Kandyal village of Purola tehsil in Uttarkashi district.

In response to these distressing events, Chief Minister Dhami instructed officials to maintain constant communication and coordination with the districts experiencing excessive rainfall. This proactive approach aims to ensure prompt responses to emergencies as they arise. Over the past 24 hours, Haridwar recorded the highest rainfall of 78.5 mm, followed by Dehradun with 33.2 mm, Tehri with 26.2 mm, Pauri with 15.1 mm, and Pithoragarh with 12.6 mm, as reported by the Meteorological department.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Dhami urged officials in the affected districts to remain vigilant and make adequate arrangements for the deployment of police personnel, the State Disaster Response Force, and health professionals. This preparedness is essential to effectively tackle any challenges that may arise from the ongoing heavy rains. The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for heightened caution among residents living near rivers and streams, who are more susceptible to potential risks.

Furthermore, Dhami instructed officials to make sufficient arrangements at night shelters to accommodate those compelled to leave their homes due to the heavy rainfall. This proactive measure aims to minimize inconveniences faced by affected individuals, ensuring their safety and well-being during these challenging times.

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