The cloudburst in Uttarakhand has left as many as 30 people dead in six villages of Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts. Reports say that bodies of at least 14 have been recovered so far and efforts are on to find as many survivors as possible.
@adgpi/Twitter
According to reports, Basted village was the worst hit where a high number of people are feared trapped. Incessant rains have destroyed over 60 houses in the region. As many as 200 cattle have reportedly died in the villages.
@ANI/Twitter
Continuous rains are hampering rescue efforts carried out by members of the NDRF and Army.
Video of Army @adgpi column rescuing survivor buried under mud and debris in Uttarakhand. pic.twitter.com/tpaP8BSnDn
— DPR (@SpokespersonMoD) July 2, 2016
In just two hours, the region recorded a rainfall of more than 100 mm.
The rise in the level of the Alaknanda river has led to flooding forcing many teams of the State Disaster Response Force, para-military forces and Army getting stuck on way to the disaster-struck areas.
VIDEO: River Alaknanda flows above danger level after Uttarakhand cloudburst. Death Toll reported to be at 30https://t.co/k0XE28oDW5
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 1, 2016
According to reports, the Thal-Munsyari road was cut-off. Landslides disrupted the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway at many places between Nandprayag and Badrinath. Landslide also blocked entry of heavy vehicles on the Kedarnath highway.
On Saturday morning, a car fell into a gorge in Pauri Gharwal district of Uttarakhand killing two people and leaving four others injured.
@adgpi/Twitter
Districts of Dehradun, Almora, Udhamsingh Nagar, Nainital, Champawat, Pauri, Tehri, and Haridwar have been put on high alert for more rainfall.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat were among those who expressed their grief over the loss of life.
I am grieved by the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst & heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand. Condolences to bereaved families: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 1, 2016
Chief Minister Harish Rawat announced a compensation of Rs.2 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased.
@adgpi/Twitter
Following the disaster, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar called for preservation of rivers and protection of the Himalayan belt.
