A cloudburst triggered a massive landslide in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district early Sunday. The disaster killed two labourers and left seven others missing.
The landslide struck near an under-construction hotel in Silai, along the Yamunotri National Highway. It swept away a labourers’ campsite where 29 workers had taken shelter.
Rescuers saved 20 people. Officials later confirmed two deaths.
CM confirms rescue efforts
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the recovery of two bodies. “A landslide hit Uttarkashi this morning. It trapped 29 workers. We rescued 20. Two bodies have been recovered,” he said.
He added that rescue teams were working continuously. “NDRF, SDRF, and police teams are on site. District Magistrates will stay on high alert for the next two months,” he said.
The workers were building a private hotel. Rescue operations include 20 NDRF teams, five SDRF teams, and eight police units.
Authorities identified the missing as Dujelal (55), Keval Thapa (43), Roshani Choudhary (40), Vimla Dhami (26), Kalluram Chaudhary (55), Bobby (38), Chotu (22), Priyansh (20), and Manish Dhami (40).
Char Dham Yatra halted, red alert issued
Officials suspended the Char Dham Yatra due to bad weather. They advised pilgrims to stay in safe places.
CM Dhami said the government is providing food, shelter, and essentials. “We paused the Yatra. Pilgrims are safe and receiving help. They will continue once weather improves,” he said.
He also addressed the ongoing UPSC exams. “We helped students reach exam centres. Despite the rain, attendance is better than last year,” he said.
The IMD has issued a red alert for multiple districts. These include Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar.
Vikram Singh, Director of the Dehradun Weather Office, warned of more rain. “Heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue for two days. July 1 and 2 also show similar forecasts,” he said.
He advised people living near rivers and streams to shift to safer locations. Rising rivers have prompted authorities to urge all residents near riverbanks to remain alert and follow safety rules.
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