Amid the coronavirus pandemic, India witnessed three other key predicaments--Amphan Cyclone, Locusts Attack including Uttarakhand forest fires. Devastating visuals of forest fire have sent social media in a state of panic.
Uttarakhand. which is prone to forest fires due to increased temperatures every year, reported 46 wildfire this year covering 51.34 hectares of forests and incurring a loss of Rs 1.32 lakh.
According to a report, Kumaon region reported the maximum wildfires with 21 incidents while Garhwal and reserve forest areas reported 16 and 9 instances respectively.
The rising temperature and hot spells have pumped super hot winds all over North India, making it the world's warmest region on May 26 along-with south-east Pakistan.
A large number of species of animals living there struggled to survive. According to the forest department, a wildfire first broke out in Srinagar district on May 23 and it was difficult to control the fires due to winds.
The hilly state has 38,000 square kilometres of forest areas- which is home to 1145 plant species ranging from Brahma Kamal to the famous mythological Sanjeevani Booti.
Reportedly, two people have lost their lives due to the forest fires whereas one person was injured.
According to the government, this may not be the worst year for wildfires as intermittent rains and high moisture levels have helped in preventing such instances.
"Forest fires have come down a lot this season. Partly due to less anthropogenic activity and partly due to rains," said Press Information Bureau in a tweet.
Notably, the state recorded 1,590 wildfire cases till May 25 last year.