Tragic Cloudburst in Uttarakhand Leads to Flash Floods

A catastrophic cloudburst struck the village of Dharali in Uttarakhand on Tuesday afternoon, unleashing a powerful flash flood that caused widespread destruction. The terrifying event was captured in a video that revealed the chaos and panic as residents scrambled for safety. The footage showed torrents of water sweeping away everything in their path, including people caught on the roads. The phrase “Baap re baap,” uttered by an unnamed individual in the video, encapsulated the shock and horror experienced by those witnessing the disaster.

Impact on Dharali and Surrounding Areas

Dharali, a key stopover en route to Gangotri, is known for its hotels, restaurants, and homestays. The flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst in the Kheer Ganga river’s catchment area, resulted in significant damage to infrastructure. Several houses were either damaged or completely swept away by the raging waters. Tragically, at least four lives were lost due to the disaster, according to officials.

Emergency Response and Rescue Operations

In response to the calamity, Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that relief and rescue operations were underway. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and district administration are working tirelessly to assist affected residents. A 16-member team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has been deployed from its 12th battalion at Matli to aid in rescue efforts.

Safety Measures and Ongoing Monitoring

Authorities have issued warnings urging locals to maintain a safe distance from riverbanks and prioritize the safety of children and livestock. The situation is being closely monitored by senior officials to ensure timely intervention and support for those affected by this natural disaster.