PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Uttarkashi
At least five persons are feared dead and a number of people are missing after a flash flood in Khirgad area of Dharali in Uttarkashi district swept away the local market and dozens of buildings including homes, hotels and homestays on Tuesday afternoon. Considering the impact of the disaster, the death toll is expected to be considerable though the authorities have stated that it will take time to assess the damage due to the flash flood debris and destruction caused.
According to officials, the flash flood occurred at about 1: 40 PM following what is reported to be a cloudburst in the upper reaches. A torrent of water along with heavy debris swept away many buildings in the Dharali market area and a number of people along, with videos of the disaster going viral on social media within a few hours of the tragedy.
The Army along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies reached to conduct search and rescue operations in the area where about 50 buildings were swept away. While Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami rushed back from Andhra Pradesh to take stock of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Dharali. He has also wished for the well-being of all those impacted by the incident. Modi also spoke to Dhami and took stock of the situation. The PM assured that no effort is being spared to ensure timely assistance to those in need. Similarly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Dhami and assured all necessary assistance from the Centre.
Meanwhile, the rescue efforts by personnel of Central and State agencies and departments concerned are underway on a war footing in the area. The State government has also deputed three IAS officers to coordinate between the State and the district administration to ensure efficient rescue and relief efforts in the area.
