Drinking water projects damaged, power supply affected in Chamoli

DEHRADUN: A day after flash flood and debris struck Tharali in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, dozens of families remained displaced, taking shelter in temporary relief camps set up in the area. The district administration arranged food and basic facilities, but many families said the trauma of losing homes and loved ones was still fresh, and it may take months for them to recover.

The casualties till now include a 20 year-old woman, who died after debris struck a portion of her house, while an elderly man has been reported missing and is feared drowned. Officials added that rescue and restoration work was being carried out on a war-footing, with round-the-clock clearing of debris, repair of damaged infrastructure and identification of safe locations for resettlement.

Families who lost houses or kin were provided immediate relief assistance of Rs 5 lakh each. In Chapda and Tharali areas, 14 drinking water schemes were damaged and restoration work was on. Power supply had also collapsed after the disaster. In Dewal, 30 villages were without electricity, while in Tharali block, 33 villages faced power disruption. Officials said restoration of electricity in all affected villages was expected by Sunday evening.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Tharali on Sunday and inspected the affected areas. At Kulsari camp, he interacted with survivors, assured them of full govt support and handed over cheques to affected families.

The CM also directed officials to speed up rehabilitation work and ensure there is no lapse in relief delivery. "The state govt stands firmly with the victims in this hour of crisis," he said, adding that relevant departments have been told to make long-term arrangements for those rendered homeless.