Dehradun, August 6 (H.S.): Relief and rescue operations are underway following the devastating flood caused by cloudburst in Kheergaadh, Dhāralī, in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday. Additional Secretary Anand Swarup has released ₹20 crores from the State Disaster Response Fund to the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi for disaster relief and rescue operations. Meanwhile, for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, rain continues to disrupt daily life in the state. The plains are facing waterlogging, while damaged access routes in the hilly areas are causing difficulties in movement.

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing at a war footing in Dhāralī. The army, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, district administration, and other relevant teams are actively involved in relief and rescue efforts. So far, over 130 people have been evacuated to safe locations. Provisions for food, water, medicines, and shelter have been arranged in relief camps.

Around 150 soldiers, led by Colonel Harshvardhan of the 14th Rajputana Rifles, are engaged in relief efforts in the affected area. Additionally, three SDRF teams are on-site, and approximately 70 to 80 people have been taken to safety in Gangotri. SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi reported that other teams have departed for the site with advanced equipment and a dog squad. Heavy rainfall and sudden floods have blocked several routes in the area, causing difficulties in reaching the site.

To strengthen relief operations, two IGs, three SPs, 11 Deputy SPs, and around 300 police personnel have been deployed to the site. Special teams from the PAC and Indian Reserve Battalion are also involved in the relief efforts. The Public Works Department and BRO are engaged in clearing blocked roads.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed to ensure all arrangements for the disaster-affected people in Dhāralī. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation in Dhāralī from the Dehradun Disaster Operations Center. He directed all relief agencies to coordinate their efforts, to evacuate affected individuals to safe locations immediately, and to provide all possible assistance.

The Chief Minister has instructed that all educational and other institutions, except for emergency services, remain closed in the affected area, and to restore communication and electricity, as well as ensure arrangements for accommodation, food, and medicines in hotels and homestays.

Meanwhile, on the orders of Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, three teams of specialist doctors have been dispatched to Uttarkashi. Additional beds have been reserved in Harsil PHC, Bhattwari PHC, District Hospital Uttarkashi, AIIMS Rishikesh, and Doon Hospital. The 108 ambulance service is on high alert, and all doctors' leaves have been canceled with immediate effect. To expedite relief operations, MI-17 and Chinook helicopters from the army, as well as helicopters from Utkada, have been requested. Aerial assistance will commence as soon as the weather improves.

Temporary halt on the Kedarnath Yatra, Gangotri-Yamunotri roads closed. In Rudraprayag district, the Kedarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended for safety reasons. The Gangotri and Yamunotri routes are also closed. The closure of the Gangotri route is causing difficulties for relief and rescue teams to reach Dhāralī.

The meteorological department has issued an orange and yellow alert for heavy rain in various parts of the state today. A one-day holiday has been declared today for schools and Anganwadi centers from class 1 to 12 in Almora, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar