The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall over Uttarakhand during the next three days as the state copes with the massive mudslide caused by a cloudburst in Uttarkashi.
According to the weather agency, 2.7cm rainfall was recorded in Uttarkashi at 8.30am on Tuesday, highest in three days. On August 3 and 4, Uttarakhand received 0.1cm and 0.8cm rainfall, respectively, in 24 hours. In a press bulletin issued on Tuesday evening, the weather agency said, "Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Uttarakhand during 6-9 August."
According to IMD, between 8.30am and 4.30pm on August 5, in Uttarkashi, the highest rainfall was recorded in Sankari, 4.3cm. In Barkot, 2.9cm rainfall was recorded; 2.6cm in Naugaon; 2.0cm in Jan ki Chatti; 0.8cm in Harsil; and 0.1cm in Gangotri.
Rescue efforts are underway in Uttarkashi, as a massive mudslide caused by a sudden cloudburst washed away high-altitude villages in Dharali. Scary visuals show the mudslide surging down a mountain, carrying away homes and roads in Dharali town. Dharali is one of the major towns located en route to Gangotri and home to several hotels, restaurants, and homestays.
The devastating flash flood came in the wake of a cloudburst somewhere in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River. According to reports, over 20 hotels were washed away in the flash floods. Authorities have confirmed at least four deaths and over 50 missing.
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Personnel from the armed forces, SDRF and NDRF have been deployed for the relief operations. Arun Mohan Joshi, Uttarakhand SDRF IG, said the forces are carrying out rescue operations in a coordinated manner.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and took stock of the situation. Dhami said, "People are being evacuated to safe locations on a priority basis, and the situation is being continuously monitored. The administration is fully alert and providing all possible assistance to the affected citizens."