Red alert across Uttarakhand as IMD warns of heavy rainfall; death toll climbs to 9
Picture for representational purpose only. (Photo: PTI)
According to reports, at least nine people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the state. Amidst relentless rainfall at the Gaurikund base camp of Kedarnath Yatra, two siblings lost their lives, another sustained injuries while their house was hit by debris after landslide.
Dehradun: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for several districts in Uttarakhand for Thursday. According to the weather forecast by the Met department, Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and Pauri are expected to see heavy to extremely heavy rainfall conditions.
The Meteorological Department has asked people to be careful till August 15 in view of the forecast about extreme rain activities.
“Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and Pauri are expecting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall conditions. All the activities are taking place in a short duration. We are seeing severe thunderstorms in just three-four hours of rainfall,” said Director of Meteorological Department, Vikram Singh.
CM Pushkar Dhami cautions tourists
Uttrakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also informed that several places in the state are already witnessing heavy rains, and
“For the last 24 hours there has been heavy rainfall in various parts of the state. People are being rescued & shifted to safe places…If the weather permits I will go conduct an aerial survey. NDRF team, SDRF & local teams are working,” said Dhami in Wednesday.
The state government has advised all the tourists to be cautious and plan their journey according to the weather forecasts in the area.
“We analysed the situation in the disaster control room and also talked to the Delhi authority. We don’t want to leave any shortfall in the rescue process. I request all the pilgrims to start the journey after taking the information of the weather,” added Dhami.
9 deaths in rain-related incidents in Uttarakhand
According to reports, at least nine people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the state. Amidst relentless rainfall at the Gaurikund base camp of Kedarnath Yatra, two siblings lost their lives, another sustained injuries while their house was hit by debris after landslide.
This is the second landslide incident in Gaurikund area within a span of just five days.
Chief Minister Dhami reportedly spoke to the District Magistrates (DMs) of Rudraprayag, Pauri, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar via telephone and asked them to make arrangements to manage situations arising in view of heavy rain predictions.