The meteorological department has issued an alert of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” for Uttarakhand in next 24 hours.
“In view of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state, commuters and pilgrims moving in hills of Uttarakhand are advised to be very cautious and coordinate closely with state government authorities,” said an advisory of the department.
On Thursday morning, a vehicle fell into the Kalp Ganga river in Joshimath sub-division of Chamoli district. Five passengers were injured and three are missing till filing of the report.
According to reports of the State Emergency Operation Centre of the disaster management department, the vehicle carrying eight people, including the driver, overturned and fell into the river near Helang at 8.45 am.
On receiving the information, personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), as well as police and revenue officials reached the spot and started rescue operations. Five people were rescued; two women and a man were missing.
Meanwhile, two persons missing after a cloudburst hit Joshimath on July 20 could not be traced yet. Two persons died in the cloudburst.
The Pithoragarh district administration sounded a high alert in residential areas of Dharchula, Jhoolaghat and Jauljibi towns, as the water level of the Mahakali river reached the above-danger level. The river waters rose to 899 metre against the danger level of 890 mt in Dharchula, officials said.
{{/usCountry}}The Pithoragarh district administration sounded a high alert in residential areas of Dharchula, Jhoolaghat and Jauljibi towns, as the water level of the Mahakali river reached the above-danger level. The river waters rose to 899 metre against the danger level of 890 mt in Dharchula, officials said.
{{/usCountry}}“The increase in the level of Mahakali is due to release of water from a reservoir at Chirkila by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and heavy rains of about 52.60 mm in Dharchula region,” said RS Rana, district disaster management officer.
Other rivers, such as Gori, Saryu and Ramganga, are also flowing near the danger level. “The region of Madkot Nachni and some parts of Baluakot have been sounded high alert due to increase of water level in rivers Gori and Saryu,” said Rana.
“The water level at Gori river was 605.70 mt while the danger level is 607.80 mt and that of Saryu is 448.20 mt with the danger level being 453 mt.”
As many as 25 roads were disrupted due to heavy rainfall in Pithoragarh. Border roads between Tawaghat and Sobla, and the Tawaghat-Pangla- Ghatiabagar road are blocked causing difficulties to security personnel and villagers.
“Roads leading to border areas and Darma valley are blocked posing problems for the defence forces and locals,” said Rana.