New Delhi, August 16, 2023: Tragedy struck Helang village near Joshimath in Chamoli district as a building collapsed, leaving three individuals rescued but several others still feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, adding to the woes of an area already grappling with land subsidence issues.
Authorities swiftly responded to the crisis, with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams leading the rescue efforts. Additional Information Officer Ravindra Negi confirmed that those who were successfully rescued have been transported to a medical facility for urgent care. As the SDRF continues their painstaking efforts, the fate of four individuals believed to be trapped within the rubble remains uncertain, pending official confirmation.
The ill-fated building, a two-storey structure located near an Alaknanda river-side crusher unit, was reportedly inhabited by workers from the unit. The collapse comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns related to land subsidence and infrastructure stability in the region, compounded by the advent of the monsoon season.
Earlier this year, Joshimath, the nearby town, witnessed significant damage to several houses due to land subsidence. The onset of the monsoon has further exacerbated these challenges, raising apprehensions about the safety and structural integrity of various buildings in the area.
Local authorities and rescue teams are working tirelessly to extract those trapped under the debris, providing a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities facing geological and environmental vulnerabilities in the region. As the rescue mission unfolds, the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural hazards.
Efforts are underway to secure the area, ascertain the exact number of individuals still trapped, and provide necessary assistance to those affected.
