Cloud bursts and landslides in the wee hours on Monday affected at least 41 families in parts of Chamoli district. Homes and vehicles were damaged in the area though no loss of human life was reported. Sixteen cattle died and 10 homes were completely damaged in Ghat Tehsil while in Tharali bridges were swept away apart from other infrastructural damage and damage to shops and vehicles. Relief operations are being carried out in the affected areas.
Following the disaster, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat directed the district administration to distribute food and necessary assistance in the affected areas. Instructions have been issued to the Public Works Department and PMGSY officials for speedy repair of a motor bridge and eight foot bridges damaged by heavy rain and landslide. The departments concerned have been directed to ensure restoration of power and drinking water supply in the disaster affected areas. In view of the meteorological department forecasting possibility of rains at most places in the State, the Chief Minister has instructed all the District Magistrates to stay alert.
Disaster Management secretary Amit Singh Negi said that in order to provide assistance, in the past, funds of Rs 5 crore each had already been made available to all the District Magistrates. He said that the relief material is being distributed by district administration as per the requirement in the affected areas.
According to officials, cloudburst between 1:30 AM and 2 AM at Kundi and Mokhmalla village in Ghat Tehsil of Chamoli district killed 16 cattle, completely damaged 10 homes and partially damaged four homes, affecting 41 families in total. At 2:30 AM a cloudburst was also reported at Ratgaon village in Tharali Tehsil which damaged 10 homes and eight vehicles apart from which one power house, the Bursol-Ratgaon motor bridge and eight small bridges were also severely damaged. A total of 32 rural motor roads in the district are blocked. In Rudraprayag district, 200 goats were reportedly killed by lightening at Bisudi village in Ukhimath Tehsil.
In the areas of Pithoragarh district affected by heavy rain some days ago, relief works were underway on Monday. No major incidents were reported from other parts of the State.