Rudraprayag: Heavy rains and a cloudburst in Bhimbali, Kedarnath valley, have severely damaged the route on Wednesday night. In the aftermath of this incident, over 200 pilgrims were stranded at different points along the path. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has initiated a rescue operation, successfully rescuing more than 100 pilgrims so far. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the affected areas to offer support and comfort to the people.
Hot spring in Gaurikund and two bridges washed away on Kedarnath route
Along with hot springs in Gaurikund area, two bridges have also been washed away near Rambada due to heavy rains on the old Kedarnath Yatra route. Pilgrims and mule operators have been using these bridges as shortcuts. The maximum damage is being reported in Bhimbali and Lincholi of the Kedarnath trekking route. About 70 meters of road ahead of the Bhimbali post has been washed away. On the other hand, the hot spring in Gaurikund has been washed away due to the overflowing Mandakini River.
Aerial rescue operation is underway by SDRF
The pilgrims stranded on the pedestrian route between Sonprayag and Bhimbali on the Kedarnath pilgrimage route are being safely evacuated by the SDRF teams by creating an alternate route. Moreover, people stranded at various places in Rudraprayag district are being rescued through helicopters. So far, more than 100 people have been evacuated safely from the disaster affected areas.
जनपद रुद्रप्रयाग में विभिन्न स्थानों पर फंसे हुए लोगों का हेलीकाप्टर के माध्यम से रेस्क्यू किया जा रहा है। अभी तक बड़ी संख्या में लोगों को आपदा प्रभावित क्षेत्रों से सुरक्षित निकाल लिया गया है। हमारी सरकार आपदा की इस घड़ी में स्थानीय जनता और पर्यटकों की सुरक्षा के लिए तत्परता के… pic.twitter.com/vWFDkj28Q9
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 1, 2024
CM Dhami inspected affected areas
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Thursday, met the disaster affected people and ensured an immediate relief. He also did an inspection of undergoing relief and rescue operations. He also held a review meeting with the state emergency operation centre to examine the ongoing rescue and relief operations. He directed the Secretary Disaster Management to maintain constant coordination with the District Magistrates. CM Dhami also informed that a total amount of 315 crore has been provided to all districts so far in this financial year for relief and rescue operations from disaster. The CM held a discussion with DMs of Haridwar, Tehri, Dehradun, Chamoli, Nainital, Almora and Uttarkashi about the rain situation, loss of life and property, waterlogging, availability of roads, bridges, drinking water and electricity. The Chief Minister has instructed all the district magistrates to keep all the officers on alert mode for the next 24 hours.
जनपद टिहरी गढ़वाल के आपदा प्रभावित क्षेत्र में पहुंचे मुख्यमंत्री श्री @pushkardhami जी..
मुख्यमंत्री धामी ने स्थलीय निरीक्षण कर लिया स्थिति का जायजा,स्थलीय निरीक्षण के दौरान स्थानीय लोगों से मिलकर जाना उनका कुशलक्षेम,आपदा प्रभावित लोगों को मुख्यमंत्री ने दिया हर संभव सहायता का… pic.twitter.com/wfMR7rZbsO
— Office Of Pushkar Singh Dhami (@OfficeofDhami) August 1, 2024
At least 10 people have lost their lives
According to the Uttarakhand state disaster secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, at least 10 people have lost their lives amid heavy rains and cloudburst induced disaster across the state. Except for the Kedarnath pedestrian route, all the Char Dham routes are open. Apart from this, over 100 roads are blocked in the state after heavy rains in the state on Wednesday.