In the thick of monsoon season, tragedy struck Uttarakhand on Wednesday as heavy rains unleashed their fury, claiming lives and throwing the sacred Kedarnath Yatra into peril.
This catastrophic event has resulted in the loss of at least four people and has left nearly 200 pilgrims in limbo, stranded on the once bustling pilgrimage route.
Homes Collapse, Lives Lost
Amidst the relentless rainfall, a home in Haridwar’s Bhauri Dera Shantarshah village caved in, burying Aas Mohammad and Nagma, both young children caught in the unforgiving path of nature’s wrath.
The same incident left nine injured, now receiving medical treatment. The devastation continued as the Tehri Garhwal district reported a cloudburst, claiming two more lives and injuring one other, who is currently being treated in a hospital.
River Levels Rise, Residents Shifted
The swollen Mandakini River forced evacuations in Sonprayag, as those residing by the riverbank hastily sought safer terrain.
Vulnerable houses in the Thati village of the Budha Kedar area did not escape nature’s assault, with inhabitants being swiftly evacuated to avoid a similar fate to those in Haridwar.
Pilgrims Paused Amid Nature’s Fury
On the holy Kedarnath route, the deluge dealt its crippling blow, washing away significant portions of the footpath near Bhimbali. This calamity has halted the pilgrimage, with the stranded being sheltered at the Bhimbali Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam complex.
Banshidhar Tiwari, Director General (Information), expressed in a statement the immediate measures taken, “Rescue teams have been deployed at the spot.”
Chardham Yatra Under Watchful Eyes
Uttarakhand has been gripped by rain-induced disasters since mid-June, with over 30 fatalities to date. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been actively overseeing rescue and relief operations, staying vigilant against further rainfall and its potential impact on the Chardham Yatra pilgrims.
Dhami underscored the state’s commitment to safety, “The safety of the people of the state and the travelers coming to the state is our top priority.”
Authorities Rally to Respond
Following suit, the Garhwal division commissioner has given the green light for district magistrates to make decisions regarding the pilgrimage’s continuation on Thursday, with registration for the Yatra at Haridwar and Rishikesh centers being suspended.
The state’s disaster management frameworks, including the SDRF and NDRF teams, have been placed on high alert, poised to combat the escalating situation.
Striving for Stability Amidst the Storm
As the tragedy continues to unfold, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain alert for the region.
The local government appeals to residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, reinforcing the gravity of the current situation and care for community well-being.
Though the skies have darkened over Uttarakhand, their response shines with readiness and resolve. The days ahead will undoubtedly test the strength and spirit of its people, as they navigate the aftermath of this natural disaster.
