Twelve persons were killed and 25 others were missing as torrential rains and landslide hit Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh and Chamoli district in wee hours on Friday, burying villages in sludge with many residents trapped under the debris.
While eight persons were killed in cloudburst in Pithoragarh district, four lived were claimed by heavy rains in Chamoli district.
“We have recovered five bodies from Singhali area of Pithoragarh while three bodies have been recovered from Thal village. The search for others is on by rescue parties consisting of army and paramilitary personnel,” Pithoragarh District Magistrate H C Semwal said.
The cloudburst brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in a region of 50 sq km, affecting several villages.
“NDRF teams rushed to the areas affected by could burst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert.” Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Indian Express.
I am deeply pained at loss of precious lives in Uttarakhand due to flash floods. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016
“25 persons, missing from over seven villages of Singhali area in Didiihat sub division of the district, are being traced with the help of ITBP, SSB and Pithoragarh district police,” said RS Rana, the district disaster management officer who reached the spot soon after the disaster occurred.
According to disaster management office sources, the cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal villages.
“The villages are buried under heavy debris and people are trapped. The rescuers are trying their best to locate and save them,” Rana said.
(Feature Image Source: Twitter/@ANI)
