New Delhi: Heavy rains triggered a devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts late Thursday night, leaving several families trapped under debris and causing multiple injuries. Rescue operations are underway as authorities rush to clear blocked areas and evacuate stranded residents.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the debris flow has cut off several areas. He assured that relief and rescue teams are working on priority to reach the affected families.
In Chamoli district’s Dewal region, tragedy struck Mopata village where two residents, Tara Singh and his wife, went missing after their home was hit. Another couple, Vikram Singh and his wife, sustained injuries in the incident. Their cowshed collapsed, burying nearly 15 to 20 cattle.
This latest disaster comes just days after a cloudburst wreaked havoc in Chamoli’s Tharali market, where debris engulfed homes, official buildings, shops, and vehicles—including the residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
The calamity coincides with widespread weather fury across North India. In Chamba district, nearly 7,000–8,000 pilgrims of the Manimahesh Yatra were stranded earlier this week due to landslides and blocked roads.
Elsewhere, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand continue to reel under heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods. The J&K administration has shut all schools in the Jammu region till August 30 to safeguard students and staff.
Himachal Pradesh remains severely hit, with 524 roads including two national highways blocked, 1,230 electricity transformers down, and over 400 water supply schemes non-functional, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched a large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission. A fleet of 12 helicopters has been deployed to evacuate stranded people and deliver essential medical aid and food in affected parts of Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.
As monsoon rains intensify, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable regions to remain alert and cooperate with ongoing rescue efforts.
