Monsoon mayhem in U'khand: 65 dead in rain-related incidents in June, double last year's toll

Time of India

15 hours ago

Dehradun: At least 65 people died in June, the first month of this year's monsoon season in Uttarakhand, double the 32 deaths recorded during the same period last year, according to data from the state emergency operation centre.
Of the 65 deaths, 45 were due to road accidents and 20 to natural disasters such as landslides and flash floods. Another 18 people are missing -- nine each due to road mishaps and natural calamities.
Among the worst incidents was Thursday's accident in Rudraprayag, where a bus carrying Char Dham pilgrims plunged into the Alaknanda river after colliding with a speeding truck, killing five. Seven passengers are still missing with officials saying their chances of survival are slim.
On Sunday, a cloudburst in Badkot area of Uttarkashi triggered a landslide that hit a labour camp, killing two construction workers. Seven others are still missing even as heavy rain continues in several parts of the state.
The regional meteorological centre has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in nine districts for Monday.
Experts say monsoon arrived slightly early this year and began with intense rainfall, triggering widespread landslides and slope failures.
They also flagged ongoing road-widening works in the hills, which have destabilised slopes by leaving loose debris at mid-elevations.
"Given the volume and intensity of the early monsoon rain, it was inevitable that this debris would come down," said Piyoosh Rautela, former executive director of Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA).
Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh also reported similar slope failures.
Geologists warn that the natural angle of repose – the steepest angle at which loose material can remain stable – has been disrupted, significantly increasing the risk of landslides and road collapses.
Reacting to the 100% rise in fatalities from road accidents and natural disasters, Anoop Nautiyal, founder of Doon-based think-tank, SDC Foundation, said, "This rise in fatalities coincides with a 29% increase in Char Dham pilgrims, with 18.2 lakh visiting the shrines between June 1 and 28, up from 14.1 lakh last year," he said.
Nautiyal stressed the need for a systemic response. "The state govt must stop treating each disaster in isolation. With the monsoon intensifying in July and Aug, what's needed is action, not just condolences and announcements," he said.