Uttarakhand rain havoc: Chief Minister Dhami directs officials to speed up restoration work
DGP Ashok Kumar appealed to all the people to not go to hilly regions due to the alert of heavy rainfall
Uttarakhand Rain Havoc: In response to the devastating impact of heavy rains across multiple districts in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a crucial high-level meeting at his Dehradun residence on Monday. The meeting aimed to address the ongoing disaster situation and strategize effective responses.
With a priority on safeguarding citizens and providing essential facilities, Chief Minister Dhami issued clear directives to officials. The paramount concern was to ensure the safety and well-being of the populace amidst the calamity.
Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar, amidst the challenging circumstances, urged individuals to refrain from venturing into hilly regions due to the alarming prediction of continuous heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already issued a red alert, signaling imminent danger. Notably, since August 12, persistent heavy rainfall had significantly impacted the Garhwal region, rendering roads inaccessible and requiring heightened vigilance from the police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams.
Narrating the dire situation, the DGP stated, "A cloudburst occurred in the Chamoli and Uttarkashi Mori area. Rishikesh is grappling with severe waterlogging. We earnestly appeal to all individuals to exercise caution and avoid hilly regions."
Highlighting the gravity of the weather forecast, the IMD had anticipated heavy rainfall coupled with lightning across six districts in the state over the next twenty-four hours. The forecast also projected the possibility of intense rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar. These predictions underscored the urgency of coordinated efforts to ensure public safety.
Unfortunately, the monsoon season has already claimed a toll, with 52 reported fatalities in rain-related incidents and an additional 37 individuals sustaining injuries. The unforgiving heavy rains have triggered landslides and flash floods in various locations throughout Uttarakhand, exacerbating the challenges faced by both authorities and residents.
To combat the crisis on the ground, Chief Minister Dhami swiftly authorized the deployment of personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to areas severely affected by the relentless rains. These teams were tasked with rescue and relief efforts, exemplifying the state's commitment to managing the immediate aftermath of the natural disaster.
In this trying period, the state's leadership and emergency response teams are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains, provide assistance to those affected, and ensure the overall safety of the populace.
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