Death toll due to heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand rises to 52; 5 missing
After heavy rainfall, landslides and loss of lives in Kerala in south India, the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand has been battered by incessant rainfall. Floods, landslides, destruction of bridges and over-flowing water bodies have left locals and tourists deserted in remote and dangerous locations. Rescue operations underway. More details here.
Landslides due to heavy rains blocked the exit routes in the town. Photo : @NDRFHQ
The death toll due to incessant rainfall in Uttarakhand since the last three days has increased significantly, thus leaving 52 dead and over 5 missing, as per news report not independently verified by Gaon Connection. Landslides, flash floods, cloud bursts, and water-logging were triggered due to heavy rainfall which has been ongoing since October 17.
The situation turned critical in places like Nainital and Chamoli where rescue operations are being undertaken by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). A cloudburst was reported from Ramgarh, Nainital because of which many people are feared to be trapped in the debris.
The situation was dire in Nainital where the mall road and Naina Devi temple located along the banks of Naini lake were flooded and a hostel building was marred by the landslides. The landslides had also blocked the exit routes in the town and tourists and residents were left stranded. Electricity, telecom, and internet connectivity in the district were also badly affected.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Kumaon, one of the worst-hit regions in the state, to take stock of the situation and told reporters that the damage across the state was massive, and it would take time to return to normalcy. He has sanctioned Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) each to district magistrates for relief work and announced a compensation of Rs 400,000 for the families of the bereaved and Rs 190,000 was offered to those who lost their lives.
In its press release issued today morning at 10 am, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the worst is over, and Uttarakhand will witness light to very light rain or thundershowers at isolated places in Nainital, Champawat, Pauri, and Pithoragarh districts. The met department also stated that the remaining districts are likely to stay dry. On Monday, October 18, IMD had issued a red alert with a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state.
Rescue operations are being carried out by the Indian army along with multiple teams of the NDRF, and the local authorities including State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF). NDRF has deployed 15 teams and rescued thousands from flood-affected areas in Uttarakhand which continued till late at night.
The Char Dham Yatra which was halted due to heavy rain has also resumed. The yatra was suspended from October 17-19 and resumed after CM Pushkar Dhami held a review meeting in Nainital. The state Director-General of police (DGP) Ashok Kumar, while addressing reporters yesterday said, “Situation in Garhwal is almost under control, routes have been reopened and Char Dham Yatra will be resumed from tomorrow. Rain aftermath more in Kumaon areas of Nainital, Haldwani, Udham Singh Nagar, and Champawat.”
The DGP also shared that Nainital-Kaladhungi road, which was blocked yesterday owing to heavy rainfall, was reopened and traffic movement has begun.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences and tweeted, “I am anguished by the loss of lives due to heavy rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway to help those affected. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being.”
Home Minister Amit Shah is also expected to visit Uttarakhand today and review the rescue operations followed by an aerial survey of the state on Thursday.
Kerala witnessed a similar situation a few days ago when floods inundated the coastal plains and wreaked havoc in the southern and central parts of the state. The districts of Idukki and Kottayam were worst affected. Death toll due to floods and landslides induced by heavy rainfall rose to 27 as per news reports. The Met department has predicted that rain-battered Kerala is likely to receive more rain in the next four to five days.