A devastating cloudburst in Tharali, Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, caused severe flooding and massive damage late Friday night, leaving two people missing and triggering widespread panic. Heavy rainfall led to the collapse of a rain drain, depositing large amounts of debris at the Tharali tehsil office and nearby houses.
According to the Chamoli district administration, a 20-year-old woman is feared buried under debris in Sagwara village, while another person went missing in the Chepdon market area. A flood-like situation persists in Tunri Gadhera, with debris reaching structures near the Pindar River.
The torrential rain also forced the closure of key roads, including the Karnaprayag-Gwaldam National Highway near Ming Gadhera, the Tharali-Sagwara road, and Dungri road. Schools in three development blocks have been ordered shut as a precautionary measure.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the incident on X, stating that SDRF, police, and district officials are on-site conducting rescue and relief operations. “I am in constant touch with the local administration and monitoring the situation closely. I pray for everyone’s safety,” he said.
