The Uttarakhand health department has been on high alert in the wake of the cloud burst at Dharali, Uttarkashi, and this includes the sending of three psychiatrists to the area.
The state's Health Secretary, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, said that beds, including those in the ICU, have been reserved in Dehradun, Rishikesh and other major medical institutions, so that the injured brought from the disaster-affected area in Dharali can get immediate treatment.
The Doon Medical College Hospital, Dehradun, has reserved around 150 general beds and 50 ICU beds. Coronation District Hospital at Dehradun has about 80 general beds and 20 ICU beds. AIIMS at Rishikesh has reserved around 50 general beds and 20 ICU beds.
Around 108 ambulance services will be kept active 24/7 so that the injured can be taken to the hospital without delay
Arrangements have been made for Doctors, nursing staff, paramedical staff, and medicine supply in all of these hospitals.
Dr. Kumar said that at such a time, it was natural for people to suffer from mental stress and depression due to the disaster.
The government has specially deployed three psychiatrists in the Dharali area, so that the victims can get immediate counselling and psychological help. He said that the team of these doctors will work in coordination with the local administration and will also visit the relief camps and communicate with the people.
The Health Secretary added that Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and disaster response teams of all districts are on alert. The 108 ambulance service has also been kept on active mode around the clock.
The Chief Minister, who has surveyed the damage, gave clear instructions that not a single injured or needy person should be deprived of treatment.
Five people have been killed and hundreds have gon missing after a flash flood swamped the Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The rains are said to have been caused by a cloudburst, which caused intense rainfall over 24 hours. Rescue operations are underway, and about 150 persons have already been rescued.