On Camera: Uttarakhand Bridge Swept Away Within Seconds by Fierce Currents

A bridge in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley was swept away within seconds after strong river currents surged following heavy rainfall in the region’s Chamoli district.

Dramatic footage shows a huge volume of muddy water rushing downstream and crashing into the metal bridge. The structure was unable to withstand the force of the current and was uprooted and pushed towards the riverbank almost instantly.

The video also captures a truck and an SUV travelling along the road beside the river turning away moments before the bridge was swept away.

The collapse has disrupted connectivity with the main town, prompting authorities to advise people against travelling through the affected area. Residents have been asked to postpone journeys until conditions improve and officials issue an all-clear.

People living near rivers and streams have also been urged to stay well away from the water as further rises in river levels remain possible due to continued rainfall.

Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said the state has been receiving continuous rain since Sunday night. Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital and Champawat are among the districts affected by the weather.

Suman warned that rainfall is expected to continue across the state, with only a brief break likely in the evening before showers resume at night.

Authorities are also conducting awareness drives in landslide-prone areas and advising residents on precautions to take during periods of heavy rain and other hazardous weather conditions.