+

UTTARAKHAND DEATH TOLL MOUNTS TO 46, RESCUE OPS ON

The death toll in rain-battered Uttarakhand has mounted to 46 following several incidents of flash floods and landslides in the past few days. As per the state’s natural disaster incident report, as many as 12 people have been injured in these incidents. One died in Champawat’s Banbasa on October 17 following heavy rains. Six deaths […]

The death toll in rain-battered Uttarakhand has mounted to 46 following several incidents of flash floods and landslides in the past few days. As per the state’s natural disaster incident report, as many as 12 people have been injured in these incidents. One died in Champawat’s Banbasa on October 17 following heavy rains. Six deaths were reported on October 18. From these, three were in Pauri, two in Champawat and one in Pithoragarh.

On October 19, Uttarakhand registered 39 more deaths. Of these, the highest number of deaths (28) were reported in Nainital, six in Almora, two each in Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar, and one in Bageshwar. Meanwhile, of 12 injuries reported in the state, four were from Chamoli, two each from Champawat, Almora, Nainital and Pauri.

Damage to properties has also been recorded in Uttarakhand following incessant rains. Nine houses have either been damaged partially or completely. As per the report, 11 people are still missing. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected due to heavy rainfall in the state. He also announced a compensation of Rs 109,000 for those who lost their houses and Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. Dhami also assured of all possible help to those who lost their livestock due to heavy rains and landslides in the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also scheduled to visit the state today to take stock of the situation arising out of heavy rainfall. He will hold review meetings and also conduct an aerial survey tomorrow, said sources. The Char Dham Yatra which was halted due to incessant rain in the region, will resume from Wednesday, said State Police. After attending a review meeting with the state’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday in Nainital, Director-General of Police, Ashok Kumar said, “Garhwal is almost under control, even the ‘Yatra’ has been started there. Leaving the last stretch of Badrinath i.e., Joshimath to Badrinath has been opened and ‘Char Dham Yatra’ will completely revive tomorrow.” On the issue of casualties, DGP said, “about 40 casualties so far with about 25 from Nainital have been reported in the state.” “The highest effect of rain has been witnessed in the Kumaon areas of the state, which include Nainital, Haldwani, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat,” DGP added. CM Dhami took the review meeting after conducting an aerial review of Garhwal and Kumaon. “Water level has reduced in Kumaon, but routes have not been opened yet, will take time,” said the DGP. He further added that, “Police, SDRF, NDRF teams are working on relief operations, thousands of people have been evacuated.”

“The route for Nainital from Kaladhungi has re-opened. All the tourists stuck at that place have left and are safe,” said the DGP. The senior police officer has however said that the main road from Haldwani to Almora continues to be blocked and it will take time to restore the connectivity.

Tags:

Featured