The death toll from heavy rains and cloudbursts in the state on late Thursday rose to five, while at least eleven people remain missing across Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Tehri Garhwal districts. According to our correspondent, continuous overnight downpours triggered fresh landslides and house collapses, leaving families trapped and forcing authorities to intensify rescue operations.
Two women were reported dead in Bageshwar’s Kapkot block after their home collapsed under debris. In Chamoli, a couple lost their lives as a cloudburst washed away their house near Ghat. In Rudraprayag, landslides buried portions of Basukedar and Jakholi villages, where several families remain trapped under rubble.
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), District Disaster Response Force (DDRF), and ITBP teams have been deployed in full strength. Our correspondent adds that, rescue teams have saved over 200 people so far, evacuating them from low-lying areas and flood-hit homes. Operations are being hampered by ongoing rains, blocked roads, and overflowing streams, but teams continue to work round the clock.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed all district magistrates to remain on high alert and ensure quick rehabilitation of affected families. He also instructed that ex-gratia assistance and compensation must be provided without delay to those who have lost family members, homes, or livestock.
Infrastructure Disruption
The rains have caused widespread damage to road networks, particularly in Rudraprayag and Chamoli, where several state highways remain blocked due to landslides. Portions of the Badrinath and Kedarnath routes have been disrupted, affecting movement of pilgrims and locals. In Bageshwar, bridges and culverts have been damaged, cutting off several remote villages.
Power supply and drinking water pipelines have also been severely hit in affected districts. Restoration teams are working to resume services, but officials warned that disruptions may continue for at least another 24 to 48 hours depending on weather conditions.
Alerts and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Dehradun districts, predicting more heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. An Orange Alert remains in place for adjoining regions, including Uttarkashi and Tehri. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel to hilly areas, and remain vigilant near rivers and streams.
Local administrations have opened temporary shelters for displaced families and are distributing food, water, and medical aid. Schools and colleges in the most affected districts have been instructed to remain closed until further notice.
Authorities fear the casualty figures may rise further as rescue teams continue to search for the eleven missing persons. The rising water levels in Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers have increased the risk of flash floods downstream.
Disaster management officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and urged residents not to take unnecessary risks. Helicopter assistance has been kept on standby to airlift those stranded in remote and inaccessible areas.
