Uttarakhand remains on edge as torrential monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across the hill state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall till August 12.
Schools have been closed across the state as a precautionary measure, and authorities have advised residents to stay indoors.
Districts under the red alert include Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, and Nainital.
Incessant rainfall since last week has led to large-scale destruction, including two cloudbursts in Uttarkashi and one in Pauri Garhwal. In Uttarkashi’s Dharali region near Harsil, an entire village was reportedly washed away. Several residents are missing, and massive rescue efforts are underway.
Personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, state police, and local administration are engaged in challenging rescue operations, battling adverse weather and damaged infrastructure to reach affected areas.
In Pauri Garhwal, a cloudburst in Pabau and Thalisain blocks on Wednesday caused extensive damage, claiming multiple lives and destroying homes, roads, and bridges. Garhwal MP Anil Baluni confirmed the casualties and ongoing rescue operations.
The Pauri District Magistrate said that relief and rescue operations have been in full swing since the incident.
In a post on X, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “The sad news of damage due to heavy rainfall and some casualties has been received from Buransi and Bankura villages in Pauri district. As soon as the information was received, rescue operations were launched from three directions — Chaukhriyal, Pabau, and Thalisain — to reach the villages and provide all possible assistance.”
He added that officials have been instructed to ensure proper medical care for the injured and relocate affected people to safer areas.
In Chamoli district, near Saldhar beyond Tapovan, nearly 20 metres of highway were washed away due to relentless rainfall. Restoration work is ongoing at a rapid pace to restore road connectivity.
-IANS