Rescue operations underway in Uttarkashi after cloudburst leaves 9 workers missing
In Uttarakhand, a massive rescue operation is underway near Silai Band in Uttarkashi district after a cloudburst struck early this morning. Nine workers are reported missing at an under-construction site. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, and the local police are engaged in relief and rescue efforts. As a precautionary measure due to ongoing heavy rainfall across the state, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for a day.
Akashvani’s Correspondent reports that heavy to moderate rainfall since last night has disrupted normal life in several parts of Uttarakhand. In Barkot tehsil of Uttarkashi district, rescue operations are ongoing after a cloudburst hit Silai area, leaving nine Nepalese-origin workers missing. It is said that nineteen workers were present at the site, of which ten were rescued safely. The District Magistrate stated that local residents are also assisting in the rescue operations. He further informed that the Gangotri and Yamunotri national highways have been blocked due to rain-triggered disruptions.
Amid continuous rainfall and the risk of landslides, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for one day. Further decisions will be taken based on tomorrow’s weather review and road conditions. Pilgrims have been advised to follow the official guidelines and avoid heading towards the shrines until the weather improves.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun to assess the weather situation and issued necessary instructions to the officials. Meanwhile, the Met Department has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar for today and tomorrow.
