The situation in Uttarakhand remains tense due to continuous rainfall. The incessant downpour has thrown life off track across the state, triggering landslides in several areas. At least five people were
killed and three reported missing as heavy rains and cloudbursts wreaked havoc across the state early on Friday, causing landslides that buried approximately 30 to 40 families under debris and damaged houses, according to officials cited by PTI.
Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Bageshwar were among the districts affected by the disaster. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation and spoke with the concerned district magistrates via video conferencing, issuing directions to ensure rapid relief and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, officials have identified 23 active danger zones along the Gangotri and Yamunotri routes, according to a report by The Times of India. This marks an increase of 16 danger spots compared to last year. The newly reported high-risk areas include Dharasu, Nalupani, Naluna, and Dabrani.
According to Uttarkashi Disaster Management Officer Shardul Gusain, as cited by the outlet, continuous rainfall since July across the state has not only reactivated old danger zones but also triggered new ones.
“The 15 danger zones are located along the 128 km stretch of the Gangotri National Highway from Dharasu to Gangotri, while eight such zones have been identified along the 105 km Yamunotri highway from Dharasu to Yamunotri,” Gusain was quoted as saying.
“New landslide zones are becoming increasingly active due to heavy rains. We’ll begin protective work in these areas once the rainfall subsides. Our immediate priority is to reopen the major roads. Currently, the road near Yamunotri and Jangalchatti is closed, while work is ongoing in Harsil on the Gangotri route,” District Magistrate Prashant Arya told TOI.
Following the latest landslides on Friday, authorities have requested that pilgrims embark on their journeys only after checking road conditions and keeping up to date with advisories issued by the police and administration.
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Bageshwar, Chamoli, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag districts over the next 24 hours.
