NEW DELHI: At least 10 individuals have lost their lives, and the concrete bridge and footbridge on the Kedarnath route have suffered damage due to heavy rainfall in the region, as reported by Uttarakhand State Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman on Thursday.
“All the routes of Chardham are open, only the footpath in Kedarnath has been obstructed. 100 other routes are obstructed; efforts are being made continuously to open them,” the Chief Secretary stated.
On Thursday, Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami surveyed the disaster-stricken areas and conducted a review meeting with officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre to evaluate the progress of rescue and relief efforts in the affected regions.
During the meeting, CM Dhami mentioned that rescue teams had been working throughout the night to relocate people to safer locations due to the impact of the heavy rains. “We received information about the disruption of life in many areas across the state. Consequently, rescue teams worked through the night to move people to safer locations,” he said.
The Chief Minister reassured that he is in constant communication with the local administration and has instructed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to remain on high alert in the affected areas.
“I have directed officials to assist those affected by the heavy rainfall and to relocate individuals endangered by rising rivers and drains to safer places. Everyone has been instructed to stay vigilant,” CM Dhami stated after the meeting. He also mentioned that relief and rescue operations are ongoing in severely affected areas such as Rambada, Bhimbali, and Jakhaniyali.
The Chief Minister emphasized that all officers should keep in mind that the government will immediately sanction any funds required for evacuating people from sensitive areas to safe places, relief and rescue operations, reconstruction, and rehabilitation from a security perspective.
All District Magistrates were instructed to coordinate at the local level and take immediate action upon receiving information about any disaster, prioritizing public safety without any laxity.
Previously, the Uttarakhand government had also issued a safety advisory for Chardham Yatra pilgrims due to forecasts of heavy rainfall across the state. Authorities have urged devotees to postpone their journeys until weather conditions improve and to remain in safe locations.
DGP Abhinav Kumar has advised pilgrims and devotees to exercise caution and only begin their journey after breaks. He stressed the importance of staying in safe places and adhering to the instructions provided by local authorities. “The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy rain in most districts of Uttarakhand. Your safety is our priority,” the DGP said.