A devastating cloudburst in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, on Saturday morning has triggered flash floods and landslides, burying homes and vehicles under debris. Officials confirmed that a 20-year-old woman, Kavita, is trapped beneath the rubble, and another person named Joshi is also reported missing.
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to the area to assist in recovery operations. The district magistrate is on site, and relief camps have been set up for affected residents.
Chamoli ADM Vivek Prakash informed the media that roads in the region have been blocked due to the flash floods, adding to the difficulties faced by local residents.
IMD Issues Orange Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and very intense rainfall in several districts including Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Nainital, and Almora. The alert is expected to remain in effect until Saturday afternoon.
In Pithoragarh, landslides have caused the closure of vital roads, including the Thal–Munsyari and Munsyari–Milam routes. Local authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant, particularly in rain- and landslide-prone areas.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
The devastation in the region follows a similar tragedy on Wednesday, when two people lost their lives after debris from a hillside struck the Gangotri Highway in Uttarkashi’s Dabrani area. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences, calling the deaths “extremely sad.”
Rescue operations are also underway in the Harsil area, where a newly-formed lake is being drained by the rescue agencies. Additionally, the Yamuna River has been blocked by debris in Barkot tehsil, causing water to back up and flood nearby residential areas.
The situation in Uttarakhand remains critical, with authorities continuing their efforts to clear roads, rescue trapped individuals, and provide relief to the affected communities.
Image Source: TOI (Times of India)
