Dehradun: Two individuals perished and another sustained injuries after being reported missing due to a cloudburst in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand on August 1.
This event in Tehri Garhwal reflects a wider trend of extreme weather affecting the area. In a separate occurrence, a cloudburst near Kedarnath stranded about 200 pilgrims. Consequently, the rising Mandakini River levels necessitated a temporary halt of the Char-Dham Yatra, causing disruption to the pilgrimage and leading to immediate safety precautions.
Rescue efforts are underway, spearheaded by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in partnership with local authorities. Following reports of the missing individuals, the SDRF initiated a thorough search operation, resulting in the recovery of two deceased victims and the rescue of one injured person from a 200-meter-deep ravine.
Senior district officials, including the District Magistrate (DM) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), have visited the site to evaluate the situation and oversee the rescue operations. They have assured the public that the government will compensate the victims’ families and stressed the importance of rescuing those still trapped and ensuring their well-being.
Amidst these harsh weather conditions, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had previously declared a ‘red alert’ for the region. In compliance with instructions from Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey has reviewed disaster relief camps and examined the impacted zones in the Tehri district to guarantee effective relief efforts.
