Relief and rescue operations are underway in Chamoli district after a cloudburst in Tharali late Friday night caused widespread damage to houses, shops, and roads.
According to State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, a woman remains trapped under debris and one man has been reported missing. “Around 1–1:30 am, heavy rainfall triggered sludge flow into Tharali, damaging two houses and affecting 10–12 more. Nearly a dozen shops have also been hit,” he said.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local administration have been deployed for relief work. Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed “extensive loss of property” and ongoing efforts to rescue the trapped woman and trace the missing man.
Heavy monsoon rains have also disrupted life in other parts of Uttarakhand. In Pithoragarh district, several highways, including Thal–Munsyari, Munsyari–Milam, Dharchula–Tawaghat, and Ramganga–Thal–Munsyari routes, have been blocked by landslides and debris.
In Uttarkashi’s Syanachatti area, where a bridge was submerged due to rising Yamuna levels, restoration efforts have shown progress. District Magistrate Prashant Arya said traffic is expected to resume soon as water levels have dropped by 12 feet after the creation of a new channel.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the Chamoli incident on X, stating he is in “constant contact with the local administration” and monitoring relief efforts. He expressed prayers for the safety of residents.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and intense rainfall across multiple districts until Saturday afternoon.