Uttarkashi cloudburst: Three men had a close escape in Haridwar when a landslide suddenly sent debris crashing down from a hillside, reportedly onto the Har Ki Pauri–Bhim Goda road, risking the lives of three individuals. The incident, which was caught on CCTV, shows the trio being thrown off their bike as the debris falls on them. The bike skidded and fell, while shocked bystanders quickly rushed to help. The landslide was triggered by the flash floods due to the massive cloudburst in Uttarkashi on Tuesday afternoon.
The road was buzzing with both pedestrians and local vehicles as the three men on the bike came driving under the hill. Within seconds of their approach, debris knocked down the bike. Reacting swiftly, the youths had a close call of escape.
Uttarkashi cloudburst
Heavy rainfall triggered severe waterlogging in various regions near Uttarkashi. After the disastrous cloudburst hit Harsil on August 5, more than 50 people were reportedly missing, and several others were feared trapped. Water levels rose in the Ganga, which led to the officials urging residents to stay away from the banks.
VIDEO | Uttarakhand: Lucky escape for two youths on bike as landslide debris fall over them in Haridwar.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/XCmITthdot
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The cloudburst has claimed four lives so far and 130 people in duress have been rescued. The authorities, Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were roped in immediately to carry out the rescue operations.
Extended heavy rainfall: IMD warns
Shortly after the cloudburst in Uttarkashi, two more such incidents were reported in Sukhi Top area and Dharali, which had disastrous effects. Today, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning, predicting further heavy rainfall as flash floods rummage through villages. The heavy rainfall and flash floods have wreaked havoc in several properties, leading to large-scale infrastructural damage.
As per reports, at least 8 Army personnel are missing from the Lower Harsil region since the cloudburst occurred at 1.40 PM yesterday, August 5. With rescue efforts underway, the authorities and rescue teams are looking for those stuck in distress. The heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning warning lingers over the region. Regions, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rain on August 6. While Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat, and Pauri may also experience intense showers.