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Amid heavy rainfall and severe flooding in neighbouring Nepal, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has intensified its vigil in the border district of Champawat, with the Tanakpur post placed on high alert to deal with any possible rise in the water level of the Sharda River.
The heightened preparedness comes as authorities closely monitor the situation in Nepal and its possible impact on downstream areas along the Sharda River. The SDRF team stationed in Tanakpur has been carrying out continuous monitoring and patrolling in sensitive riverside locations, including Sharda Ghat, Sharda Barrage and adjoining low-lying areas. The team is keeping a close watch on changes in the river's water level and potential threats to people living or working near the riverbanks, while maintaining coordination with the district administration and other concerned departments. SDRF personnel have also visited Sharda Ghat and nearby vulnerable areas to sensitise residents, travellers and fishermen about the risks associated with strong currents and a possible rise in the river level. People have been advised against venturing unnecessarily close to the riverbanks or swollen water channels and have been asked to strictly follow safety instructions issued by the administration. SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi has directed personnel at the Tanakpur post to exercise particular caution in the Sharda River and barrage areas and continuously monitor every change in the water level. The SDRF has also been instructed to maintain immediate communication with the local administration and other agencies so that rescue operations can be launched without delay if the situation deteriorates. The response is part of precautionary measures being taken in view of the flood situation in Nepal, particularly because developments in the upper reaches can have implications for downstream areas. The Tanakpur SDRF team has been kept operational round the clock with necessary life-saving and rescue equipment, enabling personnel to respond immediately to any emergency. The district administration has similarly directed all concerned departments to remain on alert and maintain close coordination. Officials are continuously monitoring the Sharda River and other vulnerable locations in the district. Authorities have appealed to residents to stay away from swollen rivers, Sharda Ghat, the barrage and other riverside areas. People have particularly been advised to ensure that children and livestock do not approach the riverbanks. Residents have also been urged to immediately inform the local administration or disaster control room in case of an emergency so that timely assistance and rescue operations can be undertaken. The intensified preparedness in Champawat comes as authorities remain cautious about the potential downstream impact of the severe weather and flooding reported across the Nepal border. (ANI)
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