Heavy rain triggers deadly floods and landslides, more than 30 missing in Uttarakhand, India
Heavy monsoon rains have triggered deadly floods and landslides in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, neighboring Nepal, on July 1, 2016. According to media reports, 18 bodies have been found so far. The number of casualties is expected to rise.
The Press Trust of India news agency said 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain fell in some areas in two hours today, causing swollen rivers to burst their banks and forcing residents to flee their homes.
The worst-affected villages were in the remote mountainous districts of Pithoragarh and Chamoli.
A cloudburst hit Singhali area near Pithoragarh early today morning, flattening homes in over seven villages and leaving many residents trapped in the debris. 18 bodies have been recovered so far, India Today reports.
#Uttarakhand: Houses washed away in flash flood after cloudburst in #Chamoli https://t.co/sw6iBWSb5y
(Photo: ANI) pic.twitter.com/65vHhKSWLQ— India Today (@IndiaToday) July 1, 2016
The Press Trust of India news agency quoted officials as saying at least 25 people were missing in seven villages in Pithoragarh, about 510 kilometers (320 miles) north-east of New Delhi. Flood waters and mudslides have blocked roads at more than a dozen places, delaying the movement of rescue teams in the area.
"We have recovered five bodies from Singhali area 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. Meanwhile, another cloudburst in Chamoli washed away houses in Gopeshwar on the banks of river Mandakini. Nine people have been reported dead in Chamoli district.
Many people were trapped under toppled houses and debris unleashed by the landslides, according to the state's top elected official, Chief Minister Harish Rawat. "We are getting reports of 18 to 20 people killed, and this figure may go higher," Mr. Rawat said.
Credit: ANI
Officials said the toll from the disaster in the scenic Himalayan state could rise, with many believed buried in the mud and debris that barreled down slopes into homes.
Television images showed muddy, swirling floodwaters gushing through the area, slowly submerging buildings while giant boulders and rocks blocked part of a national highway.
Caution: Loud noise. River Alaknanda flows above danger level after Uttarakhand cloudburst. Video credit: Trending
Further “heavy to very heavy” rain is in the forecast for the next 3 days at least, with the worst expected on Saturday, July 2, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Featured image: Heavy flooding hits Uttarakhand, India on July 1, 2016. Credit: India Today
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Text of this writer’s predictions published on 27 June 2016 : – “ Prime Minister of India has asked citizens of country to be on alert and conscious with Pakistan. It seems the alert may have probably been occasioned by recent Pak negative attitude to India’s inclusion in NSG. It may also be added that a dramatic rise in terror attacks in J&K from across the border during last five months and the like has been reported in news the other day. In the background of these prevailing situations , it may be appropriate to let readers know this Vedic astrology writer’s predictions in article “ 2016 – a woeful year for India with slight cheer at the end” published on 18 January 2016 in online magazine thesop.org. Briefly speaking , it was sought to alert country for more appropriate care and strategy so that worrisome situations which may come up during February to August- September , could be tackled effectively. A broad hint of States or regions which could be likely covered by planetary impacts were also specified in the said alert-predictions. Now , since Prime Minister of India has also alerted country against likely challenges from Pakistan as the month of June nears to pass by , this writer thought it fit to throw some light on unwelcome scenario which could cloud India , in one or more aspects , during 9 August 2016 to 18 September 2016 as follows :
(1). Some behind the scene happening activities in Leh- Ladakh region or even in Bhutan borders could take the shape of major infilteration. It may be alright to keep a vigilant eye in Chinese border at Pithoragarh or nearby against any likely intrusion. Similar could be the case in north-east India.
(2). It would be in order if more precaution and strategy against earthquake are put in place in northern India covering HP ( somewhere near Tattapani and Pangi belt) , J&K , Uttarakhand , Punjab and around , Delhi , UP, Haryana and north-eastern States -Manipur , Arunachal Pradesh , Tripura and Assam. There is , however, no cause for alarm because it could be of low intensity or its epicentre may be far off.
(3). It looks some upheaval within political parties or between political parties could be on spot mostly springing from past mistakes or past wrongdoings or corrupt practices indulged into. Either these may bring some definite consequences or new cases may come to light. Some prominent leaders may have tough situations to encounter mostly in States aforesaid , may even leave parties. Concerns of Judiciary may be in focus.
(3). Last but not least , there looks to be a need to be on alert against divisive tendencies among communities at vulnerable regions. Further , as soon as outbreak of health hazards or epidemic comes to light , it should be checked with fullness. Floods and landslides may be a cause of serious worries in the States aforesaid.
(4). It may be added that the predictions are indicative of likely trends which could take shape , not amounting to determinism, also meaning that appropriate strategy to size up to such likely trends could minimize worries”.