Cloudburst Triggers Devastation in Uttarakhand
A severe cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river at approximately 1.50 am has led to catastrophic flash floods in Uttarakhand. The sudden surge of floodwaters, accompanied by slush and rubble, has buried half of a village, causing widespread panic. Videos from the scene depict torrents of muddy water and silt cascading down slopes, demolishing buildings along the riverbanks. Residents’ screams echo as multi-storey structures collapse under the force of the water.
Casualties and Missing Persons
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that at least four people have died due to the flash floods. However, there is no official count of those missing. The disaster has not spared other villages; waters have also impacted Sukki village. A red alert remains in effect in Uttarkashi as rescue operations continue.
Military Personnel Missing in Harsil
In Harsil, an army camp was struck by the cloudburst, resulting in at least 11 Army jawans reported missing. Rescue efforts are underway with the involvement of the army, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force. NDRF teams from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have been airlifted to assist.
Government Response and Rescue Operations
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has coordinated with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, dispatching seven rescue teams to aid affected areas. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured that both central and state governments are collaborating to ensure all possible measures are taken to save lives.
Impact on Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure
Neighboring Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district also reports incidents of cloudbursts and heavy rains. A bridge over the Tanglig drain has been washed away, and landslides have forced the closure of National Highway 35 near Nigulsari. The Chandigarh-Shimla National Highway is closed due to landslides at Chakki Mor in Shimla.
Understanding Cloudbursts
Cloudbursts are among the most destructive natural disasters in the Indian Himalayas, characterized by intense rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters per hour over a small area. These events can cause significant damage due to their sudden onset and intensity.