Massive landslide in northern India claims life of DM office clerk
by Aditi VermaA devastating landslide struck northern India’s Uttarakhand, resulting in the death of a clerk from the Pithoragarh DM office. The tragic incident occurred amid ongoing heavy rainfall and landslide warnings in the region.
The incident took place near Chaitalkot on the Tanakpur-Tawaghat National Highway in Champawat district on September 14.
Visuals showed a terrifying scene unfolding as a landslide sent large portions of the mountain crashing down onto the road. Massive rocks and debris tumbled down violently, covering the area. Several people were stranded on the road, trapped in the chaos, their faces filled with fear and anxiety. Some watched in shock, while others nervously captured the unfolding disaster on their phones. The ground shook with each fall of the rocks, and the atmosphere was thick with dust and tension. It was a truly frightening sight, with nature unleashing its force and the people helplessly witnessing the destruction.
In a tragic incident in Champawat, Uttarakhand, a landslide near Chaitalkot on the Tanakpur-Tawaghat National Highway claimed the life of Chandra Mohan Pandey, a clerk from the Pithoragarh District Magistrate’s (DM) office. The event occurred while Pandey and a group of trekkers were traversing the region, which has been severely affected by ongoing monsoon rains.
Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has triggered a series of landslides across various districts, causing widespread disruption and increasing risks to life and property. Local authorities report that the rescue operation to retrieve the body has been challenging due to the large volume of debris at the landslide site.
In response to the increasing number of landslides, local disaster management authorities have issued warnings advising people to avoid traveling to the hills, especially for trekking activities. The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning for continued heavy rainfall in the region, exacerbating the risk of further landslides.
Rescue and relief teams are currently on-site, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those still at risk. Several national highways have been temporarily closed due to landslide damage, further complicating the situation.
Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid hilly areas until weather conditions improve, as more landslides are expected in the coming days. The government and disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts.