A cloudburst struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district late on Wednesday night, triggering flash floods and landslides that left at least five people missing. The incident occurred in the high-altitude region after heavy rainfall lashed the upper reaches of the state, swelling rivers and streams within minutes.
According to officials, the sudden downpour caused massive water flow in the rivulets around Tharali and Joshimath areas. Several houses and temporary shelters were reported to have sustained damage, while local roads became impassable due to mud and debris. The disaster also disrupted communication links in the affected zones, hampering immediate response efforts.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were swiftly deployed to Chamoli. Teams are using sniffer dogs, drones, and heavy equipment to trace the missing individuals and clear blocked pathways. District administration officials confirmed that relief camps have been set up for residents displaced by the sudden flooding.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation and instructed authorities to ensure quick evacuation and relief distribution. He also appealed to citizens in vulnerable areas to remain alert, as the meteorological department has forecast more rain in the coming days.
Uttarakhand, known for its fragile Himalayan ecosystem, remains highly vulnerable to extreme weather events. In recent years, Chamoli has witnessed multiple tragedies, including floods and landslides, raising concerns about climate change and unchecked construction in ecologically sensitive zones. Authorities have reiterated the need for stronger disaster-preparedness mechanisms to safeguard mountain communities from recurrent calamities.
Rescue teams continue their operations, while families of the missing wait anxiously for updates. Officials stated that search efforts will continue round-the-clock until all missing persons are located.
