Heavy Rains Cause Deaths, Damage, and Disruptions Across the State
DEHRADUN, Aug 1: In a devastating impact of heavy rains across Uttarakhand, seven people, including three family members, have been confirmed dead, and several others injured. The relentless rainfall has triggered numerous incidents of house collapses, flooding, and rising river levels throughout the state.
In the Raipur area of Dehradun, two individuals were swept away by the overflowing waters of a seasonal canal. One body has been recovered, and efforts are underway to locate the other, according to the Disaster Control Room. Additionally, heavy water influx into homes and extensive road waterlogging were reported in Dehradun.
In Haldwani, Nainital district, a man was swept away by the floodwaters of a river. In Chamoli district’s Devchauli, a woman and a child have been missing since July 31 after their house collapsed. A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been dispatched to the location for search and rescue operations.
In Bharpur village, Bahadarabad, Haridwar district, three people were killed, and three others were injured when a house collapsed due to heavy rains on July 31. Another tragic incident occurred in Jakhanyali village, Tehri district, where a landslide caused by a cloudburst resulted in the deaths of Bhanu Prasad (50), his wife Neelam Devi (45), and their son Vipin (28). Vipin, who was rescued, succumbed to his injuries while being transported to AIIMS Rishikesh.
The torrential rains also caused significant damage in Haridwar’s Kharkhari area, where nearly a dozen vehicles parked along the Sukhi riverbed were washed away.
In response to the widespread devastation, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, and local administration have been deployed to the affected areas. Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported that 200 passengers stranded on the Kedarnath route due to falling stones and the washing away of a 20-25 meter footpath near Bhimbali Chowki have been safely relocated.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured that relief and rescue operations are in full swing in Rambada, Bhimbali, Jakhaniyali, and other affected regions. He has urged residents, pilgrims, and tourists to avoid travel until weather conditions improve and advised that schools up to the 12th standard and Anganwadi centers remain closed in several districts, including Dehradun.
The Chief Minister also announced plans for an aerial and ground inspection of the disaster-stricken areas in Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal districts and has issued an advisory for pilgrims to postpone their Kedarnath journey until the roads are restored.
