NDRF, SDRF teams reach ground zero after Bailey bridge washed away in Chamoli
Chamoli, August 11
NDRF and SDRF teams have reached the site where a Bailey bridge was washed away following a sudden surge in water flow at Tamak Nala on the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road in Chamoli district.
The teams were deployed after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took immediate cognisance of the incident and directed the administration to give top priority to relief and rescue operations. The teams are carrying out search and rescue efforts at the site.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, the Bailey Bridge constructed by 123 BRTF, Suraithota, at Tamak Nala was completely washed away due to the heavy flow of water in the stream. The sudden surge reportedly swept away one person and a vehicle (camper).
Following the incident, vehicular movement towards Malari on the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been completely stopped as a precautionary measure. Authorities have advised people to stay away from the affected area and avoid travelling on the route until conditions improve.
Chief Minister Dhami has also directed officials to take precautionary measures in downstream areas and ensure the safety of people living in vulnerable locations. He asked the administration to shift residents to safer places wherever necessary and maintain continuous monitoring of rivers, streams and areas vulnerable to sudden increases in water flow.
The Chief Minister further directed officials to ensure that the disruption caused by the damaged bridge does not affect the supply of ration, food, medicines and other essential commodities to nearby villages. If required, essential supplies are to be transported through alternative routes.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said the State Emergency Operations Centre is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of Chamoli and other vulnerable areas across Uttarakhand. Coordination is being maintained with district administrations and concerned departments, with relief and rescue teams being activated as required.
The Disaster Management Secretary said that, in view of the rising water levels in rivers and streams and the possibility of sudden surges in water flow, special vigilance is being maintained in low-lying and riverbank areas. The concerned district administrations have been directed to take necessary precautionary measures based on local conditions and accord the highest priority to the safety of people, he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Tamak Nala area is always at risk during monsoons. The Bailey bridge being washed away just shows how unpredictable these mountain streams are. At least the administration has stopped traffic and is monitoring downstream areas. Safety first always.
This is what happens when we build temporary bridges without accounting for extreme weather changes. The government should start building permanent, climate-resilient infrastructure for these border areas. Ration and medicine supply disruption is a serious concern for the villagers.
Glad the CM is personally supervising this. But the monsoon isn't over yet, and it rained heavily in Chamoli last year too. The administration should have had contingency plans ready for such emergencies given the history of flash floods in the region. Let's hope the essential supplies reach the villages without delay.
Praying for the missing person 🙏 These mountain Nalas are extremely dangerous during monsoon. The way the authorities are coordinating between NDRF, SDRF and the state emergency center is commendable. Let's hope for better weather in the coming days.
As someone who has trekked in these regions, I understand the dangers of sudden water surges. The administration's decision to shift vulnerable residents and keep monitoring is key. The priority now should be finding the missing person and setting up an alternative route for essential supplies to the Malari region.
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.