Landslide in Uttarakhand’s Tehri District Kills Woman and Daughter | Full Details

Landslide in Uttarakhand’s Tehri District Claims Lives of Mother and Daughter

A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rain in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district has resulted in the tragic death of a woman and her teenage daughter. The incident occurred on Saturday, washing away multiple houses and shops.

Incident Overview

On the fateful day, heavy rains caused a massive landslide in Toli village, Tehri. The landslide led to the collapse of a retaining wall behind the house of Sarita Devi, 42, and her 15-year-old daughter, Ankita. Both were buried under the debris of their home.

Rescue Operations

Rescuers swiftly arrived at the scene and managed to recover the bodies from the rubble. District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit reported that the efforts to retrieve the victims were challenging due to the extent of the debris. The district administration has been actively involved in assisting the affected families.

Government Response

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken immediate action by ordering relief measures for those impacted by the disaster. In a statement on X, Dhami expressed his condolences and directed the district administration to provide immediate support and relocate affected residents to safer areas.

Infrastructure Damage

The landslide, along with swollen rivers and flooding, has caused significant damage in the region. Several shops in Budhakedar were washed away, and multiple bridges sustained severe damage. The swollen Dharmganga river exacerbated the situation, further disrupting the region.

Safety Measures

Following the disaster, the Chief Minister’s Office has directed all District Magistrates to remain on high alert. The response teams, including SDRF and NDRF, are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. Dhami has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel due to ongoing heavy rain alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Wider Impact

The heavy rainfall and cloudbursts over the past few days have led to extensive damage across Budhakedar, Toli, and Bhigun villages. Roads and communication infrastructure have been severely impacted, affecting locals and tourists, particularly those traveling to and from Kedarnath.

On Friday, over a hundred tourists were evacuated from the Gondar region after a swollen river washed away a pedestrian bridge, leaving them stranded.

This tragic event highlights the severe impact of heavy rainfall and landslides in Uttarakhand. The authorities are working tirelessly to provide aid and ensure the safety of residents. It is crucial for everyone to stay informed and heed safety advisories during adverse weather conditions.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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