Uttarakhand floods: Working day and night, says doctor

Evacuation of those stranded, remains the top priority say doctors at relief camps set up for stranded tourists and local residents whose houses have been destroyed in the monsoon floods.

Multiple relief camps have been set in Uttarakhand’s second largest district Chamoli, where according to medical officers, 10,000 people are stranded.

Firstpost spoke to BK Gairola, chief medical officer, Chamoli district, which is home to Badrinath and Hemkund, for a ground report on relief operations.

Excerpts from the interview

What is the status of relief operations in Chamoli? What kind of medical emergencies are you dealing with?

We have set up camps in Joshimath and Govind Ghat. And we have also sent our teams to send Pandukesar, Badrinath and Ghaghariya. Medical emergencies such as trauma and injuries are not much. People are suffering from fever, dehydration, respiratory problems and cardiac problems.

We are providing not only medical aid, but also food and blankets. Red Cross has given us blankets and we are distributing them. The priority right now is to evacuate people from the flood-hit areas — Ghahariya and Badrinath. We are sending medicines, blankets and food via helicopters. We are working day and night.

Electricity has been restored. Mobile connectivity has also returned in Badrinath. Provided the weather is alright, the rescue operations can be completed in next couple of days.

How many people have been stranded?

More than 10,000 people were stranded. About 7,000 in Badrinath and the rest in Ghaghariya and Govind Ghat. We have 15 confirmed deaths and many are still missing.

Are those stranded most tourists or local residents?

The people who are stranded are tourists and the local population whose houses have been damaged. There are about 3,000 local residents.

What is the relief and rehabilitation plan for local residents who have lost their homes?

The problem is that the roads have been damaged. It will take at least one month to restore the road to Badrinath. Meanwhile, we can evacuate them to Chamoli. When roads are re constructed the others will return to their homes. Local residents will continue to stay here in the meantime.

Are there apprehensions of an outbreak of water-borne diseases?

Water-borne diseases are common here. We are distributing chlorine tablets.