A devastating cloudburst late on Friday night has triggered flash floods and landslides in the Tharali tehsil of Chamoli district, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The torrential downpour caused a deluge of debris and mud to cascade into residential areas and public spaces, damaging numerous houses and burying vehicles. Initial reports indicate that a young woman has been trapped under the debris, and an elderly man has been reported missing, underscoring the severe human cost of this natural calamity. This incident is the latest in a series of monsoon-related tragedies to hit Uttarakhand, and it has prompted a large-scale rescue and relief operation.
The cloudburst, which occurred in the hilly region above Tharali, caused a torrent of water and debris to surge into the valley, affecting several villages and the main market area. Officials have confirmed that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s (SDM) residence and the Tehsil office were among the government establishments that suffered significant damage. Local residents described a terrifying night as the sound of roaring water and mud filled the air, forcing them to flee their homes for higher ground. The district administration, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were immediately mobilised and rushed to the affected sites to begin search and rescue operations.
The heavy rainfall has also severely impacted connectivity in the region, with the Tharali-Gwaldam road being blocked by a massive landslide near Ming Gadhera. The closure of this crucial road has hampered relief efforts and isolated several villages from the rest of the district. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed personnel and machinery to clear the debris and restore road access as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the district administration has taken precautionary measures by ordering all schools and Anganwadi centres in Tharali to remain closed on Saturday, August 23rd, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media to express his concern and assured the public that he is personally monitoring the situation. He has been in constant contact with the local administration, and he has prayed for the safety of all those affected by the tragedy. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the state, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Chamoli. This weather forecast indicates that the threat of further landslides and flash floods remains high, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid landslide-prone areas.
