Uttarakhand: Several pilgrims stranded, two washed away as temporary bridge collapses amid increase in river water flow

At least two pilgrims were swept away, and several others remain stranded in Uttarakhand's Devgad after a temporary bridge collapsed on Friday, July 5.

The incident occurred approximately 8-9 km ahead of Gangotri on the Gomukh footpath. 

According to newswire ANI, at least 30 to 40 pilgrims are stranded.

The temporary bridge reportedly collapsed due to a sudden increase in water flow in a river at Devgad.

Soon after the incident, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team rushed to the spot and rescued 16 pilgrims. The rescue operation is still underway.

Another wire agency, IANS, reported that a glacier approaching Chirbasa on the Gangotri-Gomukh trek caused an alternative bridge to collapse.

Over the last few days, several parts of Uttarakhand have been receiving heavy rainfall. Last week, several vehicles were washed away in Haridwar after the river Ganga's water levels increased.

The videos of vehicles floating in the river went viral on social media platforms.

Meanwhile, the authorities have asked tourists and locals not to venture around rivers.

IMD issues alert

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand between July 5 and 7.

The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rain in Nainital, Bageshwar, Champawat, Almora, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar. The weather agency has also issued an orange alert for heavy rain in Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, and Pauri districts and a yellow alert in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag districts.

Youths rescued

On Thursday, July 4, 10 youths were rescued from an island near Robbers Cave in Dehradun.

The SDRF said that they were brought to a safe place by crossing the river with great difficulty using rope through the strong current of the river.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the state administration has started preparing for the Kanwar Yatra.

"The preparations for the Kanwar Yatra have begun. We will welcome them all and make good arrangements," said Dhami.