Dehradun, May 10 -- The Uttarakhand government has begun identifying settlements vulnerable to disasters, similar to last year's Dharali tragedy in Uttarkashi, ahead of this year's monsoon season. A massive mudslide had struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi district on August 5 last year, triggering flash floods that swept through the village. While two bodies were recovered, 67 people - including 25 Nepalese nationals - remain missing. A scientific panel constituted by the Uttarakhand government to ascertain the possible reasons for the tragedy in its preliminary report in August stated that Dharali flash floods were not caused by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), but intense heavy localised rainfall at high altitude. Secretary for disaster management and rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, said that the process of identifying vulnerable locations across the state has begun, particularly areas where water influx could threaten human settlements "In the first phase, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts have been selected for the exercise. A team from the disaster management department was sent to Chamoli district to identify sensitive locations. The district was first surveyed through satellite imagery and later through drone mapping. Based on the assessment of risks, a detailed report has been submitted to the Chamoli district administration," he said. He added that surveys in other districts have also been completed and local administrations have been asked to carry out drone surveys at their level at the earliest. According to officials, the assessment focuses on identifying settlements vulnerable to cloudbursts, excessive water flow in streams and rivulets, and debris flow during heavy rainfall. "After the reports are submitted by the districts, decisions will be made on the mitigation measures required in vulnerable areas. Wherever necessary, instruments and monitoring systems will also be installed," Suman said. The secretary further said that the department also monitors the possible impact of water released from dams, including the extent to which the water may travel and the likely rise in water levels downstream. "Monitoring is being carried out through various mechanisms. Sirens have also been installed at several locations. A meeting was held with dam authorities last year and another meeting has been proposed this year as well. During the meeting, dam authorities will be requested to install sirens wherever required," he said. He added that the disaster management department has also installed sirens under the earthquake mitigation project in different locations across the state. Uttarakhand becomes highly vulnerable during the monsoon season due to its fragile Himalayan terrain, steep slopes, glacier-fed rivers and increasing human activity in ecologically sensitive areas. Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts often trigger landslides, flash floods, debris flow and river erosion, especially in districts such as Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh. Unplanned construction, road cutting, deforestation and rapid urbanisation further weaken mountain slopes and obstruct natural drainage systems, increasing disaster risks during intense rainfall....