DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has released a safety advisory for pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra, in light of predictions of heavy rainfall throughout the state. Authorities have urged devotees to postpone their trips until weather conditions stabilize and to remain in secure locations.
DGP Abhinav Kumar has advised pilgrims and devotees to exercise caution and only commence their journey after breaks.He stressed the significance of staying in safe areas and adhering to the guidance provided by local authorities.
“The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy rain in most districts of Uttarakhand. Your safety is our priority,” the DGP said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Uttarakhand over the next five days.
Previously, two individuals were discovered deceased and one injured after going missing following a cloudburst at Jakhanyali in the Ghansali area of Tehri Garhwal district. The deceased were identified as Bhanu Prasad (50) and Anita Devi (45).
An SDRF spokesperson stated that upon receiving information about the missing persons, the SDRF team initiated a search. They recovered two bodies and rescued an injured individual, who was extracted from a 200-meter-deep ditch and transported to the hospital. The bodies were transferred to the district police.
In a separate incident in the Bhori Dera area of Haridwar, two children lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries when the roof of a dilapidated house collapsed due to heavy rainfall. The deceased were identified as Aas Mohammed (10) and Nagma (8).
The district magistrate and SSP visited the location to evaluate the situation, interacted with local residents, and ensured the injured were transported to a nearby hospital. Compensation for the deceased and injured will be provided in accordance with government orders.
Earlier on Wednesday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a ‘red alert’ for Uttarakhand.
Following chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directives, commissioner of Garhwal division Vinay Shankar Pandey inspected disaster relief camps and affected areas in Tehri district.
Pandey visited Government Inter College Vinak Khal, Tingarh village, and Budhakedar, addressing the concerns of affected residents and meeting with disaster-affected individuals and officials. He reassured them of the government’s dedication to effective disaster relief. He assessed relief camp arrangements, including power backup, television access, children’s education, and livelihood support.