Landslide on Birahi-Nijmula Road in Uttarakhand, ambulance carrying patient trapped in debris
Chamoli (Uttarakhand), Aug 15 (IANS) An emergency ambulance carrying a patient to the district hospital in Gopeshwar became trapped in debris after a sudden landslide occurred near Kali Chattan on the Birahi-Nijmula motor road in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Saturday.
The incident took place amid continuing rainfall in the region.
According to information available, the ambulance was transporting Saraswati Devi, wife of Hayat Ram and a resident of Nijmula village, from the Nijmula Valley to the district hospital in Gopeshwar for medical treatment when a large quantity of debris and rocks suddenly fell from the hillside near Kali Chattan.
As the situation became dangerous, the ambulance driver and emergency medical staff quickly assessed the risk and acted to protect the patient. They evacuated Saraswati Devi from the ambulance and moved her to a safe location before the falling debris could cause further danger.
There were no reports of casualties or injuries in the incident.
The ambulance, however, remains trapped amid the debris following the landslide. A substantial quantity of mud, rocks and other material has fallen onto the road, completely blocking the Birahi-Nijmula route and disrupting movement between the area and the district headquarters.
The road blockage has also resulted in vehicles becoming stranded on both sides of the affected stretch, leading to traffic congestion and difficulties for commuters travelling through the route.
Local residents have urged the authorities to remove the accumulated debris as quickly as possible and restore traffic on the road. With rainfall continuing in the area, residents have also expressed concern about the possibility of further landslides near the Kali Chattan stretch.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by residents and emergency services travelling through mountainous areas of Chamoli during periods of heavy or continuous rain. Landslides and falling rocks can occur suddenly along vulnerable stretches, posing a serious threat to motorists and pedestrians and potentially cutting off road connectivity.
Residents have called for prompt clearance of the road and necessary safety measures at the affected location so that stranded vehicles can move and essential services, including emergency medical transportation, are not disrupted for an extended period.
–IANS
rs/rad