At least 10 people have been killed and dozens are missing after flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc in India's northern state of Uttarakhand. The disaster struck in the early hours, sweeping away homes, roads, and bridges in the mountainous region.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency teams are working around the clock to locate survivors and recover bodies from the debris. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities have launched a massive rescue operation, but challenging terrain and ongoing rainfall are hampering efforts.
Widespread Destruction
The floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with several villages cut off from the outside world. Key highways have been washed away, leaving rescue teams struggling to reach affected areas. Local officials report that water levels in rivers remain dangerously high.
Climate Change Concerns
Experts warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in the Himalayan region due to climate change. The fragile ecosystem of the mountains makes the area particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding.
The state government has announced compensation for families of the deceased and promised urgent relief measures for survivors. Meteorological departments have issued warnings of more rain in the coming days, raising fears of further flooding.
