1 dead after incessant rains cause landslides in Darjeeling
The victim, identified as Raghubir Rai (78), a resident of Bujuwa village in Sukhia Block, was buried under debris.
Incessant rainfall in the region increased the force of the Kempty waterfall prompting the local police to bar barred movement of visitors to the famous tourist spot on Monday
Around 180 tourists had to run for their lives when the force of the water at the Kempty falls rose suddenly on Sunday afternoon.
According to reports, the water changed colour from white to muddy at about 3.30 pm on Sunday. Local trader Sunder Panwar says, “I have never seen such a force of water at Kempty in my entire life. I informed the police and local traders rushed to save the tourists. Over one dozen shops suffered damage.”
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A large number of tourists visit Mussoorie on weekends. The Kempty fall, located 14 kms from Mussoorie, was packed with tourists on Sunday. The sudden force of water created panic among the tourists and locals.
The police joined hands with local people to rescue the 180 tourists.
Prakash Pokhriyal, station officer of Kempty police station, said, “Though the situation is normal and water level has decreased, despite this we have put a ban on the movement of tourists to the waterfall on Monday. The high volume of water has damaged the place and it is presently covered with mud.”
The sudden flow washed away the material stored in the temporary shops that operate near the waterfall.
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