(Image source from: x.com/airnewsalerts)
Many individuals are believed to be missing after a sudden downpour struck the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand on Friday night, leading to mud and debris flowing through houses and structures. As per reports from officials, mud has covered the Tharali market area and the Tharali tehsil complex significantly. Numerous homes, including the official dwelling of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, shops, and vehicles have been completely engulfed. In the nearby Sagwara village, there was a report of a girl being trapped under the rubble in a building, which caused alarm among residents. Local people have hurried out of their houses, and officials mentioned that rescue efforts are in progress. Some stores in the Chepdon market area have also suffered damage. The Tharali-Gwaldam road and the Tharali-Sagwara road have been closed off due to mud and heavy rain, disrupting travel. A clip shows individuals moving through their residences, which are filled with debris and standing water up to their knees.
"There seems to be significant damage caused by the downpour in Tharali tehsil of Chamoli last night. A substantial amount of debris has resulted from the cloudburst, completely destroying many houses, including the residence of the SDM," stated Sandeep Tiwari, the District Magistrate of Chamoli. Officials reported that the NDRF and SDRF teams have been engaged in rescue work since last night. "NDRF and SDRF crews were dispatched to the scene last night. The flooding has blocked the roads, making it very difficult for people. The local government is focusing on relief efforts. Additionally, we have established relief camps," said Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash. The Chamoli police mentioned that several residents have been relocated from their homes to safer sites. "The heavy rain last night in the Tharali police station area disrupted daily life. Due to the serious nature of the situation, the Tharali police acted quickly overnight, warning locals and helping them evacuate to safer areas."
Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that he is keeping a close watch on the situation. "Late last night, we received heartbreaking news of a cloudburst occurring in the Tharali region of Chamoli district. The district administration, SDRF, and the police have reached the area and are involved in rescue and relief operations. I am staying in constant contact with local leaders and monitoring the situation closely myself. I pray for everyone’s safety," he posted on X. This season, Uttarakhand has experienced consistent heavy rainfall along with cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Earlier this month, a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Harsil and Dharali, leaving several people missing and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "orange" alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand until August 25.
"Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Dehradun on August 23, in Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh on August 24, and in Garhwal Hills along with Nainital, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh on August 25," stated the weather agency.
