Uttarakhand rain havoc: Chief Minister Dhami directs officials to speed up restoration work
Uttarakhand Rain Havoc: In response to the devastating impact of heavy rains across multiple districts in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a crucial high-level meeting at his Dehradun residence on Monday. The meeting aimed to address the ongoing disaster situation and strategize effective responses.
With a priority on safeguarding citizens and providing essential facilities, Chief Minister Dhami issued clear directives to officials. The paramount concern was to ensure the safety and well-being of the populace amidst the calamity.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is taking stock of the situation over the phone from the District Magistrates as heavy rains lash parts of the state.
Very heavy to extremely heavy rain/thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and very intense to extremely intense spell is very… pic.twitter.com/pzK0kA573y — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 14, 2023
Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar, amidst the challenging circumstances, urged individuals to refrain from venturing into hilly regions due to the alarming prediction of continuous heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already issued a red alert, signaling imminent danger. Notably, since August 12, persistent heavy rainfall had significantly impacted the Garhwal region, rendering roads inaccessible and requiring heightened vigilance from the police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams.
Uttarakhand | Manikant Mishra, Commandant SDRF leads rescue operations in the areas affected due to heavy rains across the state since yesterday
(Photo source: SDRF) pic.twitter.com/YG5rb65klw — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 14, 2023
Narrating the dire situation, the DGP stated, "A cloudburst occurred in the Chamoli and Uttarkashi Mori area. Rishikesh is grappling with severe waterlogging. We earnestly appeal to all individuals to exercise caution and avoid hilly regions."
Uttarakhand SDRF has rescued six people including a pregnant woman from a house that was submerged due to the overflowing Song river in the Raiwala area of the Dehradun district. The pregnant woman has been shifted to a local hospital.
(Photo source: SDRF) pic.twitter.com/y8xv3YoBOS — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 14, 2023
#WATCH | Rise in water level of river Ganga in Rishikesh due to heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/ghdSjc6FVs — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 14, 2023
Highlighting the gravity of the weather forecast, the IMD had anticipated heavy rainfall coupled with lightning across six districts in the state over the next twenty-four hours. The forecast also projected the possibility of intense rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar. These predictions underscored the urgency of coordinated efforts to ensure public safety.
Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar tells ANI, "Due to heavy rains in Mohanchatti of Pauri district, a resort has collapsed, 5 people buried. A ten-year-old girl has been rescued alive from under the debris while four people are still buried. All these people are residents of… pic.twitter.com/uXSNiTEIq7 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 14, 2023
Unfortunately, the monsoon season has already claimed a toll, with 52 reported fatalities in rain-related incidents and an additional 37 individuals sustaining injuries. The unforgiving heavy rains have triggered landslides and flash floods in various locations throughout Uttarakhand, exacerbating the challenges faced by both authorities and residents.
To combat the crisis on the ground, Chief Minister Dhami swiftly authorized the deployment of personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to areas severely affected by the relentless rains. These teams were tasked with rescue and relief efforts, exemplifying the state's commitment to managing the immediate aftermath of the natural disaster.
In this trying period, the state's leadership and emergency response teams are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains, provide assistance to those affected, and ensure the overall safety of the populace.
Also Read: Monsoon mayhem: Uttarakhand college building collapses, washed away amidst heavy floods
- ANI
