Alert issued in Chamoli & Pithoragarh as Alaknanda & Kali swell following heavy rains

Sunday, 07 JULY 2024 | PNS | JOSHIMATH/BAGESHWAR

The level of water in the Alaknanda had reached 0.50 metre above the warning level at Chhinka in Chamoli district on Saturday evening following heavy rain in the district since Friday night. Similarly, in the Pithoragarh district, the level of water in the Kali river had risen 0.90 metre above the warning level in Dharchula in the evening. The authorities in these districts have issued an alert especially for people living in the vicinity of the rivers, considering the possibility of the water level rising further as rains continue in the regions. In the Khiro Gram Panchayat of Lambagad located about five kilometres from the national highway to Badrinath in Chamoli, the rising level of the river and heavy rains washed away the bridle path to the village. Villager Sukhdev Singh said that the local administration has been informed as there is no alternative route for the villagers to get ration, medicine and other essential items. Meanwhile, the authorities in Chamoli and Pithoragarh are on alert with all officials deputed in the Incident Response System (IRS) and departmental nodal officers put on high alert. All the revenue sub inspectors, village development officers and Gram Panchayat officers will remain in the areas of their posting. All the police stations and posts in these districts will also remain on high alert along with disaster management equipment and wireless sets. None of the officials and employees will switch off their mobile phones and arrangements for food and medicines will be made for people in case they are stranded. Further, tourists will not be permitted to visit the high Himalayan regions during inclement weather and when heavy rain warnings have been issued.