UttarakhandNews: The famous Kalp Kedar temple also got completely washed away in the debris||Dharali natural disaster||Uttarakhand.

The famous Kalp Kedar temple also got completely washed away in the debris, Dharali natural disaster, Uttarakhand.

A cloudburst in Kheerganga above Dharali village, about 70 km from the district headquarters in Uttarkashi, on Tuesday afternoon caused a flood in the Kheerganga river. The main market of Dharali was completely destroyed due to the fast-moving debris and water. Along with this, the famous Kalp Kedar temple has also been completely washed away in the debris.

The district administration said that 130 people had been rescued by late evening. Four people have been confirmed dead. While about 70 people are reported to be missing. Along with this, it is being speculated that 30 hotels-shops-houses have been washed away in the debris. Cloudburst occurred at three places in Harshil valley on Tuesday.

The cloudburst in Kheer Ganga caused the most destruction in Dharali. According to eyewitnesses, the cloudburst occurred above the village at around 1.50 pm on Tuesday. After this, within just 20 seconds, the water and debris of the Kheerganga river turned towards the main market.

People were running here and there to save their lives, but before they could reach a safe place, the flood destroyed everything. Many hotels, resorts, shops, houses and apple orchards present there were razed to the ground. There was screaming and shouting.

The entire market turned into a pile of debris in no time. As soon as the information was received, the district administration immediately swung into action and teams of SDRF, NDRF, Army and Police were sent to the spot. The rescue team immediately started relief and rescue work and safely evacuated many people trapped in the hotel.

The state government has sought two MI and one Chinook from the central government and the Air Force for the rescue operation. Due to continuous rain, the flight of helicopters is being hampered. UCADA has also kept two private helicopters ready for rescue operations. As soon as the weather clears, the Air Force will provide relief by helicopter.

People say that if the flow of the river had moved straight ahead, the village settlement could have suffered heavy damage, but due to the water turning towards the market, commercial buildings have suffered the most damage. Once the debris came with the water and then stopped for some time. After some time, the debris came again.

CM Dhami said that the district administration, Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF and other agencies are engaged in relief and rescue work. People are being taken to safe places on priority basis. The situation is being continuously monitored. Instructions have been given to provide all possible help to the affected.