Rescue and relief work was rescued to search for disaster victims in Dharli on Wednesday morning amid heavy rains in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and inquired about the situation. About half a village was destroyed in the severe floods in the Kheerganga river due to cloudburst on Tuesday afternoon. Dharali falls about 20 kilometers before Gangotri Dham and is a major stop of the journey.
According to a government release issued by the Uttarakhand government, four people died in disastrous floods while more than 130 people have been evacuated safely in the rescue operations run by various agencies. According to local people, more than 50 people may disappear in floods as people did not get a chance to reach safe places due to sudden water coming.
However, no body has been recovered from the debris stored at the scene yet. Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Srivastava said that 11 soldiers were among the missing people. 14 Raj Rif Commanding Officer Colonel Harsh Vardhan along with his team of 150 soldiers is leading relief and rescue operations on the spot.
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Lieutenant Colonel Srivastava said that despite the disappearance of the soldiers and the base being affected, the team is working with full courage and determination. The Indian Army has deployed MI-17 and Chinook helicopters to evacuate the trapped people. Chief Minister Dhami will inspect the damage caused by disaster in Dharali Bazaar, Harshil and surrounding areas on Wednesday.
Officials said here that in view of the huge loss of life and property in the disaster, an amount of Rs 20 crore has been released from the State Disaster Response Fund for relief and rescue operations and immediate repair of damaged assets. State Director General of Health Sunita Tamta has instructed the team of five specialist doctors to reach Uttarkashi immediately so that proper treatment can be provided to the affected. These doctors include a general surgeon and two bones surgeons.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and inquired about the natural disaster in Dharli and the ongoing rescue and relief work there. Dhami told the Prime Minister that the state government is engaged in prevention and relief work from complete readiness. He said that there are difficulties in some areas due to continuous heavy rains, but all the concerned agencies are working coordinated so that the affected can get immediate help. The Prime Minister has assured him of all possible help from the central government.
Road blocked due to landslide in Dharasu
In Dharasu area of Uttarakhand, a large part of the mountain suddenly broke down and fell on the road. Large stones and rocks are falling, due to which the authorities have to close the road from both directions as a security precaution. The disaster control room has been informed. Thankfully, the incident occurred in the morning when no vehicle was passing by there, which averted a major accident.
Alaknanda, Bhagirathi rivers above the danger mark
The Alaknanda River is currently flowing above the danger mark, which has increased the possibility of flooding in the low -lying areas. The situation remains tense due to increasing water level due to continuous rains. The same condition of the Bhagirathi river is in spate.
About 20 kilometers before Bhatwari, the Bhagirathi River is in its entire rise and its flow is dangerously fast. The weather still remains bad with continuous rains, landslides and poor visibility. Harshil is still 66 km from this point. The road in Bhatwari is completely cut off, where the rescue operation is now expected to be long and challenging. The field visual disadvantages reflect the prevalence and difficult conditions.
Constant rains in Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi
Both Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi districts have been raining continuously for more than 17 hours. Landslides, floods and transport and communication networks have caused serious disruption due to continuous rains. Landslides have been reported in many areas of Gaurikund, causing mud and debris on roads and roads. These incidents have further increased the challenges in disaster response management.
Kedarnath Yatra temporarily postponed
Given the deteriorating weather and blocked routes, the Kedarnath pilgrimage has been temporarily stopped. The officials are keeping a close watch on the situation and urged the pilgrims to stay in safe places until the situation improves.