Rescue efforts continue in Gaurikund, Uttarakhand after a devastating landslide and flash floods left 20 people still unaccounted for. The incident occurred two days ago and triggered a massive search and rescue operation by authorities. Unfortunately, three bodies have already been recovered.
Due to inclement weather, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was unable to visit the affected area on Saturday. Instead, he sent the Disaster Management Secretary and the Garhwal Commissioner to assess the situation and provide assistance.
The flash floods swept away three shops that were located 50 metres above the raging Mandakini river during the night between Thursday and Friday. Nandan Singh Rajwar, the district disaster management officer, shared that the bodies of three Nepalese nationals were found on Friday, leaving 20 individuals still missing.
Approximately 100 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with the local administration team, are currently involved in the search operation. Drones are also being utilized to aid in the search efforts.
Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha and Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey visited the affected area to assess the landslide and oversee the ongoing rescue operation. Expressing his condolences, Chief Minister Dhami has promised to provide all possible support to the families of the deceased and missing individuals.
Secretary Sinha emphasized the importance of relocating individuals residing in unsafe and landslide-prone areas to safer locations. In response, a team of experts will conduct a survey to identify vulnerable areas, and appropriate action will be taken based on their recommendations.
Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey highlighted that the primary focus at this stage is to locate and rescue those who are still missing. Local MLA Shaila Rani Rawat expressed her condolences for the lives lost and urged the state government to take necessary measures to prevent further loss of life and property in the area.
The site of the landslide is known to be highly susceptible to disasters. Rawat called for a special package from the government to address the issue and ensure the safety of the local population.
Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and provide relief to the affected community.
