Flash Floods Ravage Himalayan Village

The Himalayan village of Dharali in Uttarakhand has been left in ruins following a devastating cloudburst that triggered flash floods. The disaster unfolded on Tuesday, leaving behind a trail of destruction and evoking memories of past tragedies in the region. Videos circulating online capture the chaos and fear as residents scrambled to escape the rising waters.

Scenes of Panic and Desperation

Disturbing footage shows people running for their lives as floodwaters surged through the village, swallowing everything in their path. In one video, a man struggles to navigate the slushy waters, while another captures a car being swept away by the torrent. The floods have submerged many homes and hotels under debris, with only rooftops visible amidst the devastation.

Echoes of Past Disasters

The catastrophic event has drawn comparisons to the 2013 Kedarnath floods and the 2021 Rishiganga disaster. Like those tragedies, the flash floods in Dharali have transformed a vibrant community into a scene of desolation. The Kheer Ganga river’s raging waters have demolished buildings and buried the area under rubble.

Community’s Heartfelt Response

Residents of nearby Mukhba village, known as the maternal home of Mother Ganga, watched in horror as the disaster unfolded. Sixty-year-old Subhash Chandra Semwal described hearing the ominous sound of rushing water and stones, prompting him to alert others to flee. Despite their efforts, many were overtaken by the floodwaters.

Rescue Efforts Underway

In response to the crisis, the Army swiftly deployed personnel from their nearby Harshil camp to conduct rescue operations. Within minutes, 150 soldiers arrived at the scene, rescuing 20 individuals trapped by the floods. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has also joined efforts with specialized equipment to aid in relief operations.

Ongoing Concerns and Warnings

Authorities have urged people to avoid the disaster-stricken area for safety reasons. Meanwhile, another cloudburst near Harshil has been reported, though no damage has been confirmed there. As rescue operations continue, the community grapples with the aftermath of this natural calamity.