A horrific cloudburst hit Chamoli district in Uttarakhand yesterday evening, resulting in huge damage and a minimum of five persons going missing. The tragedy, influenced by heavy rains, occured in the Nandanagar region, in Kuntri Langafali and Dhurma villages, as houses were swept away and rubble buried entire structures.
Six homes collapsed under the weight of heavy debris in Nandanagar's Kuntri Langafali ward, with at least seven people having been present inside these houses during the disaster, said Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari. Two people were rescued alive by locals, while five are still missing and feared trapped under the rubble.
The government has sent National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, along with medical teams and ambulances, for rescue and relief. Heavy machines have been deployed to remove debris and obstructions to enable quick access to affected areas.
The heavy cloudburst has caused heavy damage on houses, cars, shops, and local infrastructure. Landslides and wreckage have blocked roads, making rescue operations difficult and cutting off parts of the region. The overflow of the Alaknanda River leads to further fear of more flash floods and landslides in the area.
This cloudburst comes in the wake of a recent one in Dehradun that resulted in casualties and general damage. Red alerts have been issued by the government of Uttarakhand in several districts to warn of further heavy rainfall, landslides, floods, and flash floods until September 20.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assures to restore power and connectivity in the affected regions. Around 85 percent of the damaged power lines have been restored, and relief camps have been set up to support displaced residents and offer emergency relief.
The cloudburst indicates the escalating danger the mountainous region of Uttarakhand facing extreme weather conditions. The authorities stay alert and close observe the situation, advising citizens to exercise caution and report emergencies immediately.
