A destructive cloudburst hit the Chamoli region of Uttarakhand, causing extensive damage throughout Tharali tehsil and leaving several persons presumed missing. Panic and widespread evacuations resulted from the debris that surged into residences, marketplaces, and government buildings. Officials said the tehsil complex and Tharali market area were among the worst hit, with many residential buildings, including the official residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), stores, and cars buried beneath debris and mud.
Fears of casualties increased when it was claimed that a girl was trapped beneath debris in Sagwara hamlet. Despite difficult weather, rescue crews from the NDRF and SDRF arrived at the scene at night and are still working. Flooding and a strong debris flow have obstructed roads, creating serious problems. Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash stated, “Relief camps have been established for displaced residents.” Sandeep Tiwari, the district magistrate for Chamoli, attested to the considerable damage.
The catastrophe strikes Uttarakhand, which has already experienced landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts this monsoon season due to weeks of nonstop rain. Similar incidents in Dharali and Harsil earlier this month left numerous people missing and caused major damage. Up till August 25, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “orange” notice for extremely heavy rainfall throughout the state, indicating that districts like Dehradun, Nainital, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh may see more significant showers in the days ahead.
