Chamoli: A bridge in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley was swept away in a matter of seconds after a sudden surge of muddy, fast moving water hit the structure, cutting off the remote area from the rest of the region.
A video of the incident shows just how quickly the situation changed. The river, swollen by heavy rain, can be seen rushing beneath the bridge before the force of the water tears the structure apart and carries it towards the bank.
The footage also shows a truck and an SUV moving along the road near the river. They appear to turn away moments before the bridge gives way.
The incident took place in Chamoli district, where heavy rainfall has added to the risks faced by people living and travelling in the mountainous region. Niti Valley connectivity hit
With the bridge gone, movement in and out of parts of Niti Valley has been affected. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel in the area and stay away from rivers, streams and other water bodies. The warning comes at a time when several parts of Uttarakhand are dealing with heavy monsoon rain.
According to Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, the state has been receiving continuous rainfall since Sunday night. Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital and Champawat are among the areas that have been affected by the weather.
Officials have warned that the rain could continue, with another spell expected after a brief improvement in conditions. Heavy rain raises concern in hill areas
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Uttarakhand, along with thunderstorms and intense spells of rain. Chamoli is among the districts covered by the weather warning.
For people living in the hills, heavy rain can quickly turn ordinary streams and rivers into dangerous torrents. Water levels can rise suddenly, while roads can become difficult to cross because of landslides, falling debris and flooding.
Authorities have therefore been asking residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, particularly those living close to streams and in landslide prone zones.
Officials are also carrying out awareness drives in areas considered vulnerable to landslides and are advising residents on precautions to take during periods of severe weather.
A few seconds that changed everything. The video of the bridge being washed away is a stark reminder of how unpredictable monsoon conditions can be in Uttarakhand.
What looks like a normal stretch of road quickly becomes dangerous as the water surges forward. Within seconds, the bridge is no longer standing.
For residents of Niti Valley, the immediate concern is now connectivity and safety as authorities monitor the weather and assess the situation on the ground.
With more rain forecast, officials are urging people not to take chances near swollen rivers and streams and to follow local advisories until conditions improve.
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