Relentless heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have caused widespread devastation in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Tehri districts, claiming the life of one woman, leaving several people missing, and injuring others. Rescue and relief operations are underway at a war footing, with local communities, NDRF, SDRF, and police teams working tirelessly.
Chamoli Devastation
In Chamoli’s Deval area, a cloudburst in Mopata village led to one body being recovered from the debris. Two people are reported missing, and two others are injured. The debris destroyed several homes and cattle sheds, with 15-20 livestock buried. Local villagers began rescue efforts due to delays caused by blocked roads, but DDRF and tehsildar teams are now clearing paths and aiding relief operations. Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that relief efforts are in full swing despite challenges from blocked national highways at Nandprayag, Kameda, Bhanerpani, Pagalnala, and Jilasoo.
Rudraprayag Destruction
In Rudraprayag’s Basukedar tehsil, cloudbursts in Badeth Dungar Tok and Chenagad areas caused significant damage. One woman died after being buried under debris, and several people are missing in Chenagad Dungar and Jaula Badeth villages. In Chenagad market, shops, vehicles, and homes were engulfed by debris, while a motor bridge in Lavara village was swept away by strong currents. The Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers are flowing above danger levels, submerging Rudraprayag’s Hanuman temple. In Kimana, agricultural land and roads are covered with boulders and debris, and in Arkhund, a fish pond and poultry farm were washed away. District Magistrate Prateek Jain is overseeing operations from the disaster control room.
Tehri Damage
In Tehri’s Bhilangana block, a cloudburst in Genwali village late Thursday night damaged agricultural land, drinking water pipelines, and power lines. District Disaster Management Officer Brijesh Bhatt reported no loss of life but confirmed that several footbridges and pathways were destroyed. Revenue department teams have been dispatched to assess the damage. The Bhilangana, Balganga, and Dharmaganga rivers are in spate, heightening risks in the region.
