Rudraprayag, August 29, 2025: A powerful cloudburst struck the Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand on Thursday night, causing widespread damage and trapping several families under debris. Local officials have reported multiple injuries, and rescue operations are underway.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media to confirm the situation, stating that the debris flow caused by the cloudburst has blocked key areas, leaving many people stranded. He assured the public that relief and rescue teams are actively working to reach those affected.

This cloudburst follows a similar event last week in Chamoli, which resulted in significant damage, including homes, buildings, and vehicles being buried under debris. The Tharali market area and the Tharali tehsil complex were particularly impacted.

The ongoing rescue operations in Uttarakhand are part of a broader effort to provide relief to other regions also hit by heavy rainfall. In Chamba district, rescue efforts are focused on thousands of pilgrims who had been stranded earlier this week during the Manimahesh Yatra.

The cloudbursts and flash floods have severely affected other states in the region, including Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which have been experiencing continuous heavy rain, landslides, and flash floods.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the government has closed all schools in the Jammu region through August 30 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh is grappling with extensive damage, including the blocking of 524 roads, including two national highways, and widespread disruptions to electricity and water services.

To assist in the disaster relief efforts, the Indian Army has deployed 12 helicopters to provide medical aid, food, and evacuation services in the affected areas of Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.

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