A powerful cloudburst struck Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts on Thursday night, leaving families trapped under debris and several people injured. Rescue and relief operations have been launched in the affected areas.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that debris flow following the cloudburst has blocked areas, leaving many stranded. “Relief and rescue operations are being carried out,” he said.
In Dewal’s Mopata area of Chamoli district, two people, Tara Singh and his wife, went missing, while Vikram Singh and his wife sustained injuries. Their cowshed collapsed during the incident, reportedly burying around 15 to 20 animals.
A powerful cloudburst struck Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts on Thursday night.
Just last week, Chamoli had witnessed another cloudburst that swept debris across homes and public buildings. The Tharali market area and tehsil complex were heavily covered, while many residences, shops, vehicles, and even the official residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) were buried.
Widespread Impact Across Northern States
The disaster comes amid relentless rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, leading to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides.
In Himachal Pradesh, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that 524 roads, including two national highways, were blocked, 1,230 electricity distribution transformers disrupted, and 416 water supply schemes rendered non-functional by Thursday evening.
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The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the closure of all schools in the Jammu region till August 30 due to flooding and heavy rainfall, prioritising the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
Meanwhile, in Chamba district, around 7,000 to 8,000 pilgrims on the Manimahesh Yatra had been stranded earlier this week but relief measures remain in progress.
The Indian Army has launched extensive humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations with 12 helicopters to deliver medical aid, evacuate stranded individuals, and supply food in flood-affected regions of Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.
