Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand): Thirty people were killed and 25 others missing as a cloudburst hit the Singhali area of Uttarakhand early on July 1 morning, destroying houses in over seven villages and leaving many residents trapped under the debris.
“We have recovered five bodies from Singhali area while three bodies have been recovered from Thal village. The search for others is on by rescue parties consisting of army and paramilitary personnel,” said Pithoragarh district magistrate H.C. Semwal.
The cloudburst brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in a region of 50 sq km, affecting several villages.
“Twenty-five persons, missing from over seven villages of Singhali area in Didiihat sub-division of the district, are being traced with the help of ITBP, SSB and Pithoragarh district police,” said R.S. Rana, the district disaster management officer who reached the spot soon after the disaster occurred.
According to sources at the disaster management office, the cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal.
“The villages are buried under heavy debris and people are trapped. The rescuers are trying their best to locate and save them,” Rana said.
Home minister Rajnath Singh in a tweet said that NDRF teams had been rushed to the areas affected by the cloud burst in Uttarakhand and that additional NDRF teams had been put on high alert.
Singh also tweeted saying:
Spoke to CM U'khand Shri Harish Rawat regarding the situation post the cloud burst in the state. Centre is providing all possible assistance
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016
I am deeply pained at loss of precious lives in Uttarakhand due to flash floods. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016