Indian Army Rallies for Rescue Operations After Devastating Cloudburst in Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Rescue Efforts Underway After Tharali Cloudburst in Uttarakhand

In Chamoli, Uttarakhand, a recent cloudburst has led to intense rescue operations. The Indian Army has teamed up with local authorities to help those affected in Tharali tehsil.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the impacted areas while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked on clearing debris to restore access. Reports confirm that at least two individuals are missing after the severe weather struck.

Around 12:40 AM on August 23, a mudslide hit Tharali, approximately 25 kilometers from Rudraprayag. The Surya Command of the Indian Army has confirmed that they have deployed medical teams and rescue dogs to assist in the operations. Additional troops are on standby to support local teams.

Heavy rainfall caused significant damage in several villages, including Kotdeep, Radibag, and Kulsari. Many homes and shops were inundated with debris, heightening local panic. An elderly person is reportedly missing from Chepdo, and a 20-year-old woman may be trapped under a damaged building in Sagwara.

The Tharali-Gwaldam road and the Tharali-Sagwara route have been obstructed, complicating rescue efforts and cutting off vital access to the area. Many vehicles were swept away or buried under tons of rubble.

Fear has gripped residents, prompting them to abandon their homes for safer ground. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for the region, predicting more heavy rain and thunderstorms in areas like Dehradun and Nainital over the next 24 hours.

In light of the emergency, local schools and Anganwadi centers in Tharali have been closed as a precaution. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reached out to local leaders, urging them to assist the district administration in ongoing relief efforts.

This disaster highlights an increasing trend of extreme weather events in India, largely attributed to climate change. According to a report by the Indian Meteorological Department, extreme rainfall incidents have doubled over the past two decades. Communities in vulnerable areas must remain vigilant as climate-related disasters become more frequent.

As rescue operations continue, the solidarity of first responders and community members illustrates the strength and resilience of the people of Uttarakhand.

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Border Roads Organisation (BRO),Disaster Response Force (SDRF),India Meteorological Department (IMD),Indian Army