Uttarakhand flash floods: Uttarkashi cloudburst sparks memories of 2013 Kedarnath calamity

The flash floods in Uttarakhand's Dharali have brought back memories of the 2013 Kedarnath disaster under similar circumstances. The 2013 Kedarnath disaster, considered the worst calamity to have hit India since the 2004 tsunami, saw villages swept away and thousands die in flash floods over a decade ago.

 

A cloudburst led to flash floods in the high-altitude villages of Uttarakhand's Dharali on Tuesday. At least four people have been confirmed dead, and over 50 people are missing in the devastating floods.

 

Visuals show a mudslide sweeping down a mountain, carrying away homes and roads in the town, evoking memories of the tragic 2013 Kedarnath disaster. In 2013, flash floods wrought widespread death and destruction in the popular pilgrimage destination.

 

According to official estimates, over 5,000 people died in the flash floods triggered by the melting of the Chorabari glacier, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, following days of heavy rains. The flash floods caused devastation across an expanse of 40,000 sq. km, rendering thousands homeless. The tragedy occurred during peak pilgrimage season.

 

Over 3,000 villages were affected in the floods, and bodies were washed away as far as Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Experts blame unregulated construction and climate change for recurring natural disasters in Uttarakhand. In the flash floods in 2021, at least 200 people died, and two hydroelectric projects were swept away.

 

Located en route to Gangotri, Dharali is one of the major towns in the region and home to several hotels, restaurants, and homestays. The devastating flash flood came in the wake of a cloudburst somewhere in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River, locals told PTI.

 

Rescue operations are underway, and personnel from SDRF, NDRF, and ITBP have rushed to affected areas. According to locals, at least 20 hotels and homestays were washed away.

 

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said people are being evacuated to safe locations on a priority basis, and the situation is being continuously monitored. "The administration is fully alert and providing all possible assistance to the affected citizens," he added.

India