The Indian state of Uttarakhand is grappling with massive forest fires as of now. Attempts to control it are underway. Personnel from the National Defense and Rescue Force or NDRF were called upon and they rushed to the site of the fire to extinguish it. The situation seems to be escalating. However, fortunately, no injuries or loss of lives have been reported thus far. Here are all of the other important details that you would want to know about this.
Uttarakhand: Eight Forest Fires Reported In The Last 24 Hrs
Emergency Alert:
Forest fire 🔥
Air force helicopter pressed into serviceUttarakhand engulfed in massive forest fires! Indian Air Force helicopters mobilized for rescue and firefighting operations.
Tourists stranded as Nainital lake closes. pic.twitter.com/96oWCLTiL4
— Atulkrishan (@iAtulKrishan1) April 27, 2024
According to an article which was recently published by the Hindustan Times or HT, in the last 24 hours, a total of eight forest fires have been reported. Four of these eight were in the Kumaon region alone. A total of 41 NDRF officials rushed to the Nainital region to aid in dousing the fire.
The state is particularly prone to this phenomenon. Since November 1 last year, a total of 606 incidents of forest fires have been reported in Uttarakhand. These incidents ended up damaging a whopping 735.8 hectares of forest land.
One of the major reasons why there is a rise in forest fires is because of the dry spell that the state is witnessing. Humidity has decreased and there is no rainfall. Hence, the region becomes quite prone to forest fires.
Leaves Of Officials Cancelled For This Season Of Blaze
A chopper today morning lifting water from Bhimtal lake in #Uttarakhand to douse forest fire. More than 700 hectares forest has been gutted in state. Nainital is worst affected districts. CM @pushkardhami will take meeting with officials today in Haldwani. #forestfire pic.twitter.com/IYVHxfYu2K
— Anupam Trivedi (@AnupamTrivedi26) April 27, 2024
Since the forest fire season is going on as of now, the authorities have decided to cancel the leaves of forest officials. The official forest fire season is said to be from February 15 to June 15.
Hence, to have maximum hands on deck in case there’s an emergency, the authorities have decided to prohibit the fire officials from going on leave during this period.
It is hoped that the fire will be brought under control soon.
Also Read: Despite Forest Fires & Heatwaves, Why Is Greece Witnessing A Surge In Tourism?
Do you know anyone who lives in Uttarakhand and has been affected by the fire? How are they managing to cope with the situation? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @Sprinterfactory/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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First Published: April 29, 2024 11:14 AM