The Meteorological Department in Uttarakhand has issued Red and Orange alerts for most districts for the next 24-48 hours. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed all departments to remain vigilant for 24 hours and has intensified relief and rescue operations in disaster-affected areas.
Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the weather and disaster situation in a meeting on Sunday. Red and Orange alerts have been issued due to heavy rainfall in most of the state's hilly and low-lying areas. People in affected districts are being evacuated to safe locations, Nanak Sagar dam is being monitored, roads and bridges are being restored, and all departments are on 24-hour alert to minimize damage.
Chief Minister's Meeting: Review of Preparations
During the meeting, CM Dhami stated that it has been raining continuously in all the hilly regions of the state. He mentioned that Nanak Sagar dam is also being monitored, which is flowing about 5 feet below the danger mark and is currently filled to about 60 percent capacity. The Chief Minister informed officials that people in the low-lying areas of the state are already being evacuated to safer places. Several camps have been set up to provide immediate relief and shelter to the affected people.
CM Dhami instructed all departments to ensure that the basic needs of people staying in relief camps are met and that there are no deficiencies. He stated that the next 24-48 hours are critical for the state, and during this period, the administration, NDRF, and SDRF must remain alert at all times.
Repair of Roads and Bridges in Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister informed that some major road routes were blocked due to the disaster. The Gangotri highway has been completely cleared. Additionally, the road construction and repair work that had been ongoing for the past 22-23 days in the Harsil area has also been completed. At Syana Chatti, Uttarkashi, water had risen about one foot above a bridge due to waterlogging, and debris removal work is underway there using machinery.
The bridge leading to Manali in the Chamoli district had sustained damage, and repair work is progressing rapidly. In Bageshwar, people affected by the disaster have been evacuated to safe locations, and relief materials are being provided to all.
Instructions for Medical Treatment and Disaster Management in Hospitals
CM Dhami instructed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for all admitted patients in hospitals. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on formulating a rehabilitation policy for the affected districts. He said that significant damage has occurred due to this disaster in the state, and all district magistrates must assess the affected areas and prepare to provide immediate compensation to the people.
The Chief Minister informed that the entire machinery of the administration and disaster management teams is engaged in assisting the affected people. He also stated that the disaster management and rehabilitation plan would be further strengthened to deal with such incidents in the future.
Red-Orange Alert Issued in Uttarakhand
Red and Orange alerts have been issued for most districts of Uttarakhand for the next two days. CM Dhami told officials that all departments and systems should remain on 24-hour alert. Continuous rainfall is occurring in the hilly regions, causing water levels in rivers and streams to rise. The administration must maintain constant monitoring of roads, bridges, and water reservoirs.
The CM directed officials to deploy special teams in the affected areas and immediately evacuate people living in rural and hilly regions to safer locations. He stated that the safety of citizens is paramount during this disaster.
