At least four (4) persons have been killed and buildings washed away after floodwater crashed through a Himalayan village in India.
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand state said, police and the army were “on a war footing” as they search for survivors.
Footage reveals the emotional moment the water barrelled through Dharali, around six (6) miles from the popular tourist site Harsil.
Prashant Arya, local official, said, “about a dozen hotels have been washed away and several shops have collapsed.”
Villagers are worried it could get worse – with up to a dozen people still under rubble and 20 to 25 hotels and homestays ravaged.
National Disaster Management Authority of India has requested three helicopters to help with rescue efforts in the mountainous terrain.
After speaking with the Chief Minister, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, assured, “no stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people”.
According to forecast, more heavy rain is expected in the coming days; local schools in the region have been asked to close.
Uttarakhand is in the country’s far north, sharing border with Nepal and China, and is already prone to flooding and landslides in monsoon season.
PM Modi wrote on X: “I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation.
“Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people.”
Photo: Flash floods cause huge level of devastation in India. More heavy rains expected in days ahead. AP
