Key Points:
- Cloudburst struck Chamoli’s Tharali around 1 AM at midnight.
- Many houses buried under debris, roads and vehicles destroyed.
- Two people missing so far – including a 20-year-old girl.
- SDRF and local administration engaged in rescue and relief operations.
- Incident comes just days after another cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali.
- Eyewitnesses describe panic and chaos as residents fled homes at night.
Chamoli: Tragedy struck Uttarakhand once again as a cloudburst hit Tharali in Chamoli district at around 1 AM, spreading panic and chaos across the region. Residents were jolted awake by the sudden gush of water and debris. Within minutes, roads collapsed, homes were buried, and vehicles were washed away in the destruction.
Eyewitnesses said that it felt as if a “storm of mud and stones fell straight from the sky.” Many villagers rushed out of their homes barefoot in the dark, seeking shelter on higher ground.
Extent of Damage: Houses, Vehicles, and Institutions Hit
- Many residential houses are submerged under heavy debris.
- Several vehicles, including an ambulance and multiple small cars, have been destroyed.
- The office of Jal Sansthan is also reported to be damaged.
- Footage from locals shows people wading through mud and rubble, desperately trying to move to safety.
According to sources, Sagwara village and Chepdo village have been the most affected.
Missing Persons and Casualty Updates
So far, two people are reported missing:
- A 20-year-old girl from Sagwara village.
- Another individual from Chepdo village.
Authorities have not confirmed any deaths yet, but locals fear the toll may rise once more rubble is cleared.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and administrative teams have launched search and rescue operations. Heavy machinery is being deployed to clear blocked roads and reach cut-off villages.
District officials have appealed to people to remain on alert, particularly in areas prone to landslides and flash floods. Relief camps are also being set up for displaced families.
Recurring Disasters: Uttarakhand on Edge
This incident comes just days after a cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi, underlining the fragile ecological condition of the Himalayan state. Monsoon rains have made Uttarakhand highly vulnerable to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods, raising fresh concerns over disaster preparedness and climate change impacts.
Experts believe that erratic rainfall patterns caused by climate change have amplified the frequency of such disasters across Himalayan states in recent years.
What’s Next?
- SDRF teams continue to search for the missing in Chamoli.
- Damage assessment of houses, shops, and markets underway.
- Authorities are likely to shift vulnerable families from low-lying and riverside areas.
- The government may soon announce compensation and relief packages for those affected.
