Seismic tremors caused by a light earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale were felt in Pithoragarh district at 1:41 am on June 8.
According to information issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), there were no reports of damage to human-animal life and property in the district following the quake which had its epicenter in the district’s north western Nachani-Tejam areas with the depth being ascertained at about 10 kilometres deep in the earth.
As detailed report on the quake effect in the district is being awaited, there were no major disaster occurrences reported in other parts of Uttarakhand on Wednesday. However, hundreds of disaster affected families in Tehri district and other places are living in temporary accommodations provided by the authorities even as relief works are being undertaken for the disaster affected yet to be provided the same.
According to information stated by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the heavy rain disaster experienced on May 28 in the Ghansali Tehsil of Tehri district, affected 32 villages including Sitakot, Kothiyada, Girgaon, Silyaraa, Kot, Saruna, Ardhangi and Kreta. The district emergency operation centre data states that 616 families have been affected by the disaster in this region which has also seen two human deaths and six persons being injured.
A total of 71 cattle and other domesticated animals are reported to have died here so far with 16 cow sheds also sustaining damage. Officials state that a total of 398 buildings were affected by the disaster in this region with 94 of the structures sustaining complete damage, 32 being severely damaged and 272 being partially damaged.
As per the official information, as on the period till May 5, the Tehri district administration had provided financial aid of Rs 3,800 to each of the 449 affected families with process of providing the same to remaining families is also underway.
Of these disaster affected families, the district administration has distributed solar lights and foodstuff to 95 affected families so far with distribution of the same to remaining affected families currently underway.
Officials claim that power supply has been restored to these affected villages while tankers are being used to facilitate supply of drinking water for the area. Relief and rescue efforts are being carried out by teams of the Revenue Department, Irrigation Department and Public Works Department.
Meanwhile, in the Uttarkashi district, the Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway number 108 is reported to be open for small and large vehicles up to Gangotri whereas the Rishikesh-Yamunotri national highway 94 is reported to be open for small and large vehicles up to Janakichatti.
As per reports received from the Chamoli district disaster operation centre, the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway number 58 is open for small and large vehicles up to Badrinath. According to report from the Rudraprayag district disaster operation centre, the Rishikesh-Kedarnath national highway number 109 has remained open for small and large vehicles up to Gaurikund whereas the bridle path from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is also open.
Officials state that necessary alert is being maintained in view of the meteorological forecast for the next few days. The Meteorological centre has forecast cloudy skies in general with light to medium rain/rain accompanied by thunder between June 9 and 12 at high altitude areas including Badrinath, lokpal-Hemkund, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and higher altitude area in Pithoragarh district. Some parts of the State may experience strong winds and hail with rainfall in these areas and rise in rainfall during the next two days (June 9-10).