As the relentless rainfall continues to pummel Uttarakhand, two personnel from the Indian Air Force (IAF) tragically lost their lives after drowning in Bhimtal Lake, located in the Nainital district. The victims have been identified as 22-year-old Prince Yadav from Pathankot, Punjab, and 23-year-old Sahil Kumar from Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
The incident unfolded when the two were part of a larger group of eight IAF personnel, which included four women, enjoying a leisure trip to the picturesque region. According to Circle Officer Pramod Shah, the drowning occurred when the group ventured into the swollen Musatal Lake near Chafi village. Local residents, alongside police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, engaged in a rigorous search and rescue operation for nearly an hour in a desperate attempt to recover the bodies.
This tragic event is set against the backdrop of significant turmoil across Uttarakhand, as torrential monsoon rains have taken a severe toll on the region. Over 109 roads have become impassable due to landslides and waterlogging, causing considerable disruption to the Chardham Yatra pilgrimage. The vital thoroughfares to Yamunotri and Kedarnath have been blocked by debris and structural collapses, hampering travel for pilgrims and tourists.
Compounding the difficulties, a massive landslide occurred at Silai bend on the Yamunotri route, which swept away shelters causing nine construction workers to go missing and destroying a 12-meter segment of the road. Similarly, the Kedarnath route remains blocked between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, adding further challenges to the rescue and relief efforts.
In light of the growing crisis, Home Minister Amit Shah has engaged in discussions with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to assess the situation. The Chief Minister took to social media to confirm that Central agencies such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are being mobilized to assist in restoring travel routes and delivering relief aid.
Further exacerbating the situation, falling boulders have obstructed the Badrinath highway. Multiple rivers, including the Ganga, Alaknanda, Mandakini, and Bhagirathi, are experiencing swelling waters, barely under the danger mark. Authorities are issuing alerts to residents living near riverbanks, particularly in Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh.
In Barkot, an overflowing Yamuna River has created a lake that has begun inundating adjacent homes and hotels. In response, the local administration has deployed excavators to clear the lake’s outlet to avert further flooding incidents.
Moreover, food shortages have emerged in the Geeth area of Uttarkashi due toblocked access along the Yamunotri highway, prompting local leaders to call upon authorities to guarantee the supply of essential goods to these remote communities.
In Dehradun, severe waterlogging has impacted areas such as Prince Chawk and regions near Doon Hospital, compounding the city’s difficulties. With the meteorological department forecasting ongoing rain for the coming days, officials remain on high alert to manage the crisis and ensure public safety.
