Devastating Cloudburst Hits Uttarakhand's Chamoli District
A massive cloudburst struck the Tharali area of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand late Friday night, causing widespread destruction and triggering a deadly flash flood. The disaster has buried homes and vehicles under debris, with rescue operations now in full swing to find the missing and provide relief to those affected.
Widespread Damage and Casualties
The cloudburst hit several areas hard, including the main Tharali market and the local tehsil complex. A torrent of water and debris swept through the town, flooding homes and buildings and turning streets into ponds. Several vehicles parked at the tehsil complex were completely buried.
The situation is particularly grim in the nearby Sagwara village, where a young girl is feared to have died after being trapped under the debris. One other person has been reported missing from the Chepdaon market, where several shops were also damaged. The incident has caused widespread panic, with residents rushing out of their homes in the middle of the night.
Rescue Operations and Government Response
Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local police and the district administration, are on the ground searching for survivors. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to clear blocked roads to facilitate the relief efforts.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stated that he is personally monitoring the situation and is in constant contact with local officials. As a precautionary measure, all schools and anganwadi centres in the Tharali tehsil have been ordered to remain closed on Saturday.
