Tragic Impact of Torrential Rains in Uttarakhand: Multiple Fatalities and Extensive Damage

Heavy rains in Uttarakhand have led to a series of tragic events, including house collapses, flooding, and rising river levels. Seven people have died, and several others are missing. Rescue operations are ongoing as the state struggles with widespread rain-related damage and safety concerns.

Seven people, including three from a single family, have died, and several others were injured in Uttarakhand as relentless rains triggered numerous house collapses, floods, and increased river levels, officials reported on Thursday.

In Dehradun, Haldwani, and Chamoli, four people are reported missing due to rain-related incidents. Among them, two were swept away by the waters of an overflowing canal in Dehradun. The body of one victim has been recovered, while a search continues for the other. The rains have also caused severe road waterlogging and flooding of homes in Dehradun.

In Haridwar district's Bharpur village, a house collapse due to heavy rain killed three individuals, and three more were injured. Similarly, a tragic landslide in Tehri district's Jakhanyali village claimed the lives of Bhanu Prasad, his wife Neelam Devi, and their son Vipin, when their roadside restaurant was destroyed by a cloudburst.

In response to these calamities, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed across the state. Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported the evacuation of 200 passengers stranded on the Kedarnath route due to landslides.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued advisories for pilgrims and conducted a review of the disaster management efforts, emphasizing the rescue and safety of residents and tourists. Schools have been closed in various districts as the state grapples with the aftermath of the torrential rains.

(With inputs from agencies.)