Dehradun, Aug. 12 -- Garhwal Post Bureau

Dehradun, 11 Aug: A sudden flash flood triggered by heavy upstream rainfall had yesterday swept away a 120-foot modular bailey bridge over the Tamak stream near Tamak Nala on the Malari-Niti National Highway in Chamoli district. The surge had also carried away vehicles in the vicinity, temporarily cutting off road connectivity to more than a dozen border villages including Malari, Gamshali, Jumma and Niti.

During the incessant rainfall, Havildar Pankaj of 123 Road Construction Company at Suraithota accompanied his Officer Commanding to reconnoitre the bridge and assess the situation. As the flash flood struck, he displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind, guiding civilians and vehicles aw...