A cloud burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli and Pithoragarh district on Saturday has left several people dead, while many people are still buried under the debris.
To further elevate the state’s problems, rivers were flowing above the the danger mark forcing villagers to move away from the banks on Sunday.
While Congress President Sonia Gandhi sought a status report from Chief Minister Harish Rawat on the relief work that is underway in the state, a meeting was held between the chief minister and top officials to review ongoing rescue and relief operation in areas affected by heavy rains and cloud burst.
In Uttarakhand, almost all major rivers are flowing near the danger marks and in view of this, the authorities have asked the people living in low lying areas to move to safer places. Meanwhile, the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway is still blocked at some places. Gangotri and Yamunotri national highways have also been disrupted at several places in Uttarakashi district. The BRO and PWD personnel are pressed into service to reopen all the three yatra routes.
Earlier, asserting that the situation was now under control and that there was no cause to panic, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that the state government is completely mobilised to ensure that aid was provide to those affected by the natural calamity, adding that round the clock vigil was being maintained. Rawat stated that the state government will seek help from the Centre if needed and called on the people to maintain calm. “I request that people should not be in fear and be assured that they will be safe. We will take care and are duty-bound to protect the people,” Rawat said.