Garhwal Post Bureau
Chamoli, 30 Jul: Continuous rainfall in Chamoli district has led to a spate of landslides in the hill areas, with Kimana village in Jyotirmath (formerly Joshimath) block facing severe damage today. Large quantities of debris and boulders rolled down from the hillside today, putting several residential houses at risk and forcing families to abandon their homes for schools and other safer shelters. The villagers have reported that the soil on the slopes had become saturated due to persistent rain, causing repeated slips and sending rocks and mud into the settlement. Though no casualties have been reported so far, many houses have suffered damage and crops have been affected.
The landslide also damaged the temple’s bhog mandi and its protective wall, heightening the sense of fear among residents. Locals said debris and boulders are still falling intermittently, and the entire village spent the night in panic. They have appealed to the administration for safe housing, relief material and permanent protective measures. SDM Jyotirmath, Chandrashekhar Vashisth has confirmed that heavy debris and water flow have entered parts of the village and that two families were shifted to safer locations. Assessment of damage is underway.
The impact of the rain has extended to the district’s road network. The Nandprayag–Nandanagar motor road was blocked near Mangroli after huge boulders fell from the hillside, halting traffic on both sides. Similarly, the Pokhri–Gopeshwar motor road was closed due to a major landslide near Vishal Tiraha. The disruption has caused difficulties for local residents and travellers.
Meanwhile the authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution in sensitive areas until the weather clears. Machinery has been deployed to clear blocked roads, while officials continue to monitor the situation in Kimana village. The administration has assured that relief and rehabilitation measures will be taken promptly, but the continuing rain has kept the region on high alert.
