As torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across Uttarakhand, a shocking video has surfaced showing a group of labourers being swept away by the swollen Tons river in Dehradun. At least six people are feared dead in the incident.
The video captures around 10 labourers stranded on a tractor stuck in the middle of the raging river. The marooned men are seen frantically calling and waving for help while people on the riverbank try to figure out a rescue plan. Within moments, the spate of the river topples the tractor, sweeping the men away. Panic and despair grip those on the banks, who are seen running and screaming as the tractor overturns and the labourers disappear beneath the water.
Preliminary reports suggest the labourers were engaged in mining activities, though details of how they got stuck remain unclear.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Widespread Damage in Dehradun
Overnight heavy rainfall has caused large-scale destruction in Dehradun, Mussoorie and Mal Devta. Roads and homes have been washed away, while a bridge near the Law College in Dehradun’s Prem Nagar has collapsed. Nearly 400 people have been evacuated as rescue operations continue.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that all rivers in the state are in spate after the incessant rainfall. “Roads have been breached at 25 to 30 places. Approach roads are cut off. Houses and government properties have been damaged. Normal life is severely affected. Rescue teams are working on a war footing to restore normalcy,” he stated.
ALSO READ: Rs 2 crore in cash, jewelleries and more: Who is arrested Assam IAS officer Nupur Bora?
The Chief Minister added, “The state government stands with every affected family. The administration is already on alert mode, and the NDRF, SDRF, police and local administration are constantly active.”
Centre Assures Support to Uttarakhand
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Pushkar Singh Dhami has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the grim situation in Uttarakhand. The Centre has assured the state of all possible assistance.