3 dead and 12 missing in Kedarnath rain and landslide

Heavy rains engulfed the Kedar valley around midnight. A great deal of debris and boulders fell from nearby hills, on shops built below. Rescue operations could begin only later owing to the continuous falling of debris and stones.

SDRF officials have confirmed that three bodies were recovered whose identification is being done by the district police. Given the possibility of people being swept away in the river, a deep diving team has been asked to participate in the search from Sitapur to Sonprayag with state-of-the-art equipment.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, light rain is expected on August 5 and heavy rain on August 6.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued instructions to speed up ongoing relief and rescue work in Gaurikund. “Relatives of dead and missing people are also being contacted. All teams of SDRF district administration are present on the spot, and the government administration is fully prepared to deal with any situation,” said Dhami.

According to a statement by the state information department, Dhami has also inquired about the water level of major rivers of the state. He said that alerts should be issued in all those areas where there is a problem of floods and people should be taken to safe places, especially those living in kutcha houses and buildings in landslide prone areas.