Uttarakhand: A cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district led to the missing of 8-9 construction workers in the early hours of Sunday. The officials stated that the workers went missing after the under-construction site, where they were staying, got damaged due to the cloudburst in Silai Band on Barkot-Yamunotri Marg. They further stated that rescue and search operations are underway, adding that Yamunotri Marg has also been affected due to the heavy rain.
"8-9 workers staying at an under-construction hotel site went missing after the construction site was damaged due to a cloudburst in Silai Band on Barkot-Yamunotri Marg. Yamunotri Marg has also been affected," Uttarkashi DM Prashant Arya stated. "Rescue and search operations are underway," he added.
While reacting to the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the rescue teams have been engaged in relief and rescue operations. "In the tragic incident of a landslide in the Silai Band area of Barkot Tehsil, Uttarkashi district, it has been reported that some workers are missing. Teams, including SDRF, NDRF, and others, have reached the site and are engaged in intensive relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the concerned authorities regarding this matter," Dhami stated in a post on X.
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Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been suspended for a day on Sunday following a red alert for heavy rainfall issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This precautionary measure has been taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims and protect life and property. District administrations have been placed on high alert, and relief and rescue teams have been mobilized in anticipation of any emergencies.
(Updates to follow)