Wildfires rage in Uttarakhand, and the death toll has risen to five.
Wildfires raging across several forests of Uttarakhand have claimed yet another life, taking the death toll in the last three days to five. A 28-year-old Nepalese woman succumbed to her injuries on Saturday in AIIMS Rishikesh. She had suffered severe burns while attempting to douse a fire near a resin factory in Almora last week.
Her husband and two others had earlier lost their lives battling the same blaze.
In another incident, a 65-year-old woman died on Sunday after sustaining burn injuries on her farm in Pauri while trying to control a nearby forest fire.
Earlier, three laborers from Almora had lost their lives owing to burn wounds from a fire approaching their resin unit.
Strong winds have been aiding the rapid spread of fires. Pilgrims at Dunagiri temple in Almora had to evacuate amid flames along the shrine route.
Low visibility due to smoke even led to flight disruptions at Pithoragarh airport.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed efforts to contain over 900 forest fires across the state that have impacted around 1,145 hectares since November 1st.
Met officials indicate rains starting May 7-8 may aid dousing, though IMD warned of another hot weather spell after that.
Meanwhile, three men from Bihar were arrested for allegedly igniting flames in Gairsain in a suspected bid for ‘social media popularity.’ Strict action is being taken to prevent such reckless acts.
Authorities continue grappling with the challenging situation even as terrain and climate add to response difficulties.
