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SDRF Rescues Stranded Travelers as Heavy Snowfall Hits Uttarakhand

Heavy snowfall in Uttarakhand's high-altitude areas stranded vehicles and passengers, prompting swift rescue operations by State Disaster Response Force teams. In separate incidents, teams evacuated approximately 20-25 vehicles in Dhanachuli Band and rescued eight people near Badiyar village. Concurrently, Himachal Pradesh reported the closure of 535 roads, including four National Highways, due to heavy snowfall, with large-scale clearance operations underway. Authorities have deployed 264 machines and directed officers in affected areas to report back to duty, with an estimated loss of Rs 6.03 crore from the snowfall.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Snowfall: SDRF Rescues Stranded Vehicles, Passengers

  • SDRF rescues stranded vehicles in Ramgarh-Mukteshwar
  • 75 people evacuated from Lambgaon Motor Road
  • Himachal closes 535 roads after snow
  • Snow clearance ops deploy 264 machines statewide
2 min read

SDRF rescues stranded people as heavy snowfall hits Uttarakhand

SDRF teams rescue over 100 people stranded by heavy snow in Uttarakhand's Nainital & Uttarkashi. Himachal Pradesh closes 535 roads.

"The SDRF conducted coordinated, effective rescue operations at all affected sites. - Official Report"

Dehradun, January 24

Heavy snowfall on Friday night left vehicles and people stranded at several locations in the high-altitude areas of Nainital, Uttarkashi, and Tehri Garhwal districts.

Based on information received from the DCR Nainital and the District Disaster Management Department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams acted swiftly and rescued stranded vehicles and passengers in the Ramgarh-Mukteshwar and Dhanachuli Band areas.

In the Dhanachuli Band area, the teams cleared snow from the road using a JCB machine and safely evacuated approximately 20 to 25 vehicles.

In a similar operation, the SDRF Post Ghansali team rescued eight persons along with their vehicle after they were stranded in snow near Badiyar village on the Mayali Road. The team safely brought all of them to Ghansali. The rescued individuals were returning from a wedding ceremony.

Additionally, the SDRF Headquarters Ujeli, Uttarkashi team evacuated around 75 people stranded in snow on the Lambgaon Motor Road in the Chaurangi area and shifted them to safe locations.

The SDRF conducted coordinated, effective rescue operations at all affected sites. All individuals are safe, and authorities have reported no loss of life.

Many parts of the country are experiencing chilly winter conditions, with snowfall reported in several areas.

In Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall forced the closure of 535 roads, including four National Highways, while large-scale snow-clearance operations continued, the Public Works Department (PWD) said.

According to an official brief from the state disaster Management Authority, a review meeting on snow clearance was chaired by the Engineer-in-Chief, HPPWD, through video conference with all Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers, directing them to ensure time-bound restoration of roads in snow-affected areas.

The PWD said 264 machines, including 78 departmental JCBs, 128 hired JCBs, 18 robots, 10 dozers and 30 tippers, have been deployed for snow clearance operations across the state. Officers posted in snow-affected areas and proceeding on leave were also directed to immediately report back to duty.

Of the total roads closed, 511 are village roads, 20 major district roads and four National Highways. The department said 199 roads are likely to be reopened by January 23, 104 by January 24, while 232 roads may take longer to restore.

The estimated loss due to snowfall has been pegged at Rs 6.03 crore, the department said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is why we need to invest more in our disaster response infrastructure, especially in Himalayan states. The frequency of such extreme weather events is increasing. Kudos to the teams, but authorities also need better early warning systems for travelers.
R
Rohit P
Those people returning from a wedding got the adventure of a lifetime! 😅 On a serious note, winter travel in the hills is no joke. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out. Thank God for the SDRF.
S
Sarah B
The scale of the operation in Himachal is staggering—535 roads closed! The coordination and resources deployed (264 machines!) show a serious response. Hope the local communities who depend on those village roads get relief soon.
V
Vikram M
While the rescue efforts are commendable, there's a point to be made about preparedness. Every year we see similar scenes. Can't the state governments mandate winter tyres or chains for vehicles in these zones during Nov-Feb? Prevention is better than rescue.
N
Nisha Z
My cousin is posted with SDRF in Uttarkashi. They often have to leave their families during festivals and in terrible weather. They are the real heroes. Salute to all the personnel and their families. ❤️
D
David E
The estimated

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