Uttarakhand State Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported on Thursday that heavy rain in the area has resulted in the death of at least 10 people and caused damage to the concrete bridge along with the footbridge on the Kedarnath route. “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 said.
Earlier on Thursday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the areas affected by the disaster. He conducted a review meeting with officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre to evaluate the status of rescue and relief efforts in regions hit by heavy rainfall. During the meeting, CM Dhami noted that rescue teams had worked through the night, moving people to safety in response to the rain’s impact. “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 assured that he is in contact with the local administration. He directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to stay 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 said post the meeting. He also stated that relief and rescue efforts are currently underway in the severely impacted areas of Rambada, Bhimbali, and Jakhaniyali.
The Chief Minister instructed that all the officers have to ensure that the government promptly approves any necessary funds for evacuating people from vulnerable areas, conducting relief and rescue operations, and for reconstruction and rehabilitation for security purposes. He directed all district magistrates to coordinate locally and act swiftly upon receiving disaster reports, prioritising public safety without delay.
Earlier, the Uttarakhand government issued a safety advisory for Chardham Yatra pilgrims due to anticipated heavy rainfall throughout the state. Authorities have urged devotees to postpone their trips until the weather conditions improve and to stay in secure locations.
DGP Abhinav Kumar has advised pilgrims and devotees to exercise caution and begin their journey only after taking necessary breaks. He emphasised on the importance of staying in safe locations and adhering to instructions from 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.
