High alert in Uttarkashi after IMD rain warning, administration issues advisory

Disaster management teams, the Revenue Department, Police, SDRF and NDRF are on alert in the district.

After the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a rain alert in the coming hours for the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, the administration is on high alert.

State Disaster Response Force Team carries out a search operation after a Maharashtrian resident slipped and fell into a river near the Kachhidhang slide zone, in Uttarkashi on Sunday. (ANI)

District Magistrate Pashant Arya has directed officials to make all necessary arrangements for the safety of trekkers who are currently on trekking routes or staying at base camps through various agencies.

In view of the weather conditions, the concerned teams have been instructed to coordinate closely and undertake rescue operations, wherever necessary, to move trekkers to safer locations.

The administration has appealed to residents of vulnerable and potentially hazardous areas, as well as tourists and pilgrims, to exercise caution.

Sub-Divisional Magistrates and officials of the concerned departments have been directed to remain deployed in their respective areas and keep JCB machines, essential food supplies, medicines and alternative communication arrangements ready for road clearance and emergency situations.

Keeping in mind the safety of Char Dham pilgrims, trekkers and other tourists, the District Magistrate has directed the Health Department to deploy two ambulances and medical teams in Harsil. The medical team at the district hospital has also been placed on alert to ensure necessary health check-ups and treatment.

The district administration has appealed to people to maintain a safe distance from rivers and seasonal streams and to immediately report any emergency to the District Disaster Operations Centre through its helpline numbers.