A cloudburst struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district late on Friday night, unleashing torrential rains and triggering a massive flow of debris that buried homes, markets, and government buildings. Several people are feared missing, and rescue operations are underway as adverse weather conditions continue to hamper efforts.
The worst-hit region is the Tharali tehsil, where the Tharali market area and the administrative complex were engulfed by heavy debris. Officials confirmed that numerous residential areas, including the official residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), have been completely destroyed. Shops, vehicles, and other infrastructure in the vicinity have also suffered extensive damage.
Access to the affected areas has been severely hampered. The Tharali-Gwaldam and Tharali-Sagwara roads have both been rendered impassable due to landslides and debris, significantly disrupting traffic and hindering rescue efforts. A viral video circulating on social media shows residents wading through knee-deep water inside their homes, now filled with sludge and debris.
District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari highlighted the gravity of the situation, saying, “There is a possibility of extensive damage due to the cloudburst in Tharali tehsil. Large volumes of debris have buried many houses, including the SDM’s residence.” Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were dispatched promptly and have been operating in the region since last night.
“NDRF and SDRF teams reached the area last night. The roads are blocked due to the floods, causing significant distress. Relief operations are ongoing, and temporary shelters have been set up for those displaced," said Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash.
The Indian Army has also been mobilised to assist in the crisis. The Central Command released a statement saying, "Indian Army has activated HADR columns, medical teams, and search & rescue dogs from Rudraprayag and Joshimath. Our detachment in Tharali is already on site, providing immediate relief. Additional troops and resources from the Uttar Bharat Area are en route to support ongoing operations.”
Chamoli Police confirmed that many residents have been safely evacuated. “Owing to the severity of last night’s rains, public life was disrupted. The local police acted swiftly, alerting residents and moving them to secure locations," said the police in a statement.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured citizens that the government is actively overseeing relief operations. “A tragic report of a cloudburst in the Tharali area was received late last night. I am in constant touch with local officials. The district administration, SDRF, and police are working on relief and rescue missions. I pray for everyone’s safety," said the CM taking to social media platform X.
This cloudburst follows a series of extreme weather events across Uttarakhand this monsoon season, including flash floods and landslides in Harsil and Dharali earlier this month.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the state, forecasting very heavy rainfall until 25 August. The department warned of downpours in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Nainital, and Dehradun on 23 August; in Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh on 24 August; and across Garhwal Hills and parts of Kumaon, including Nainital and Bageshwar, on 25 August.
