Chamoli, Uttarakhand — A cloudburst struck Chamoli district late Friday night, leaving one person feared dead, several others missing, and causing extensive damage across multiple areas. Debris flows swept through markets, residential zones, and roads, severely disrupting daily life.
Large volumes of debris inundated the Tharali market and nearby areas of Kotdeep Tehsil, damaging houses and burying vehicles. In Sagwad village, a girl is reportedly trapped under rubble inside a collapsed building, while shops in Chepardon market have sustained heavy structural damage.
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed the incident, stating: “Last night there was a cloudburst in Tharali, causing widespread damage in Tharali and nearby regions. A woman has been trapped in the debris of her house, and a man has gone missing. There has been a huge loss of property. Administration and other teams are at the spot, and clearance and rescue work is underway.”
The heavy rainfall has also triggered road blockages. The Tharali–Gwaldam road remains shut at Minggadera, while the Tharali–Sagwada road is impassable.
In response, a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) unit has been deployed from Gauchar to carry out rescue and relief operations. Officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of local residents.
Chief Minister Monitoring Situation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Saturday that he is in constant touch with local authorities. In a post on X, he wrote: “Late last night, a tragic report of a cloudburst was received in the Tharali area of Chamoli district. The district administration, SDRF, and police have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the administration and am personally monitoring the situation. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”
Road Closures Announced
Authorities have confirmed the closure of several routes due to the cloudburst and resulting landslides:
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Thal – Munsyari (State Highway): Closed
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Munsyari – Milam (Border Route): Closed
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Dharchula – Tawaghat (National Highway – Border Route): Closed at Elagad
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Ramganga – Thal – Munsyari (National Highway – Border Route): Closed at four locations
Motorists have been advised to avoid these routes and adhere to official advisories.
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