Uttarakhand: A cloudburst struck Chamoli district late Friday night, leaving several people feared missing as debris swept through homes, markets, and government buildings in Tharali tehsil.
According to officials, the Tharali market area and the tehsil complex were buried under heavy debris, along with several residential houses, shops, vehicles, and even the official residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Panic gripped Sagwara village after a girl was reportedly trapped under rubble inside a house.
Locals rushed out of their homes as rescue operations were launched through the night. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed, while the Indian Army has mobilised columns, medical teams, and search-and-rescue dogs from Rudraprayag and Joshimath.
“The cloudburst in Tharali tehsil has caused massive destruction. Several houses, including the SDM’s residence, have been completely damaged,” said District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari. Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash confirmed that relief camps have been set up for affected families.
The Chamoli police said prompt night evacuations saved many lives. “Due to heavy rainfall, public life was affected. Local people were alerted and shifted to safer locations,” a police spokesperson said.
Road connectivity has been severely hit, with the Tharali–Gwaldam and Tharali–Sagwara routes blocked. Shops in Chepdon market also reported damage, while visuals from the ground showed homes inundated with knee-deep water and mud.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he is closely monitoring the situation. “The administration, SDRF, and police are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant touch with officials. I pray for everyone’s safety,” he posted on X.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand till August 25. Heavy showers are forecast in Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and Nainital over the next three days.
Uttarakhand has been battered by continuous rains this monsoon, with repeated cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Earlier this month, a similar incident in Harsil and Dharali left several missing and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.
