Amidst relentless downpours in Uttarakhand, a structure belonging to the Doon Defence College located in Maldevta, Dehradun, succumbed to the forces of nature on Monday. The edifice was engulfed and swept away by the surging currents of the Bandal River. The river had surged beyond its banks due to the unceasing rainfall that had besieged the state for the preceding 24 hours.
The meteorological agency in Uttarakhand has sounded a red alert in six districts, encompassing Dehradun and Nainital, in anticipation of substantial rainfall. The hilly region has borne the brunt of the incessant monsoon showers, resulting in a death toll of 60. Moreover, 17 individuals remain unaccounted for.
The torrential rains have induced landslides that obstruct multiple thoroughfares, including key national highways. A landslide near Kunjapuri Bagardhar in Tehri has impeded the Rishikesh-Chamba National Highway. Simultaneously, heavy vehicular movement has been halted at Sakhnidhar along the Rishikesh-Devprayag-Srinagar National Highway. This deluge has also led to the damage of about 1,169 residences and a substantial expanse of agricultural land.
Given the relentless precipitation and ensuing floods, educational institutions have been instructed to remain closed for the day in Dehradun and Champawat. Responding to the crisis, the Uttarakhand administration has directed district magistrates and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to maintain a heightened state of readiness, poised to extend assistance in the event of any unforeseen emergencies.
