Rain lashes several parts of U'khand: One killed, one feared drowned

Dehradun: Several places in Uttarakhand received heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday night and throughout Monday. Incidents of cloudbursts were reported from Tehri and Rudraprayag districts, causing landslides and road blockages in the hills.

One person was killed in a rain-related accident and three others sustained injuries after the car they were travelling in was hit by a boulder on Pokhri-Gopeshwar road in Chamoli district on Monday morning.

The deceased was identified as Nanhe Ram Tiwari (45), a resident of Pokhri.

In yet another incident, a man reportedly got swept away by the strong currents of Saryu river in Bageshwar district on Monday morning. A team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was deputed to conduct rescue operation at the site.

According to the regional meteorological centre, quite a few areas in state capital Dehradun received over 150 mm rainfall. For instance, the Sahastradhara area received the maximum of 170 mm rainfall.

Similarly, Loharkhet in Bageshwar district witnessed 160 mm rainfall, while Mussoorie town received 120 mm rainfall, throwing normal life out of gear. Dhanaulti, too, recorded 90 mm rainfall, according to the Met office.

Due to excessive rainfall, five families in Sirvadi village of Rudraprayag district were evacuated after their houses got flooded by an overflowing rivulet that had been swollen by incessant rainfall.

“Heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded at a few places in Uttarakhand on August 8 and 9. There would be subdued rain activity for the next 48 hours before rain picks up pace again from August 12 onwards,” said Bikram Singh, director of regional meteorological centre.

Due to recurring landslides triggered by continuous rainfall, the Badrinath and Kedarnath national highways remained blocked. The Badrinath highway was closed at Lambagad in Chamoli district, while the Kedarnath highway was obstructed at Banswada.