Devastation in Dharali: Cloudburst triggers flash floods, sweeps away lives and homes in Uttarakhand; several feared dead
In the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, a massive cloudburst triggered a landslide on 5th August. The cloudburst occurred in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, resulting in flood which swept the Dharali village.
Reports say that around 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away in the devastating floods. In the cloudburst incident, at least four people are reported dead.
Meanwhile, the NDRF, SDRF and the Indian Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operation.
The Indian ArmyтАЩs Central Command stated that Troops of the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations.
тАЬExtent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfoldтАЭ, the ArmyтАЩs Central Command said in a statement.
Taking stock of the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sadness over the damage that was the result of the cloudburst CM Dhami further informed that the administration, including SDRF and NDRF, are engaged in the rescue operation, and the situation is being closely monitored.
In a post on X, CM Dhami said, тАЬThe news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyoneтАЩs safety.тАЭ
The cloudburst has led to flash floods in the high-altitude villages of Dharali. Several houses were reported to have been swept away.
Additionally, Uttarkashi Police said, тАЬIn Uttarkashi, due to the rising water level of Kheer Gadh in the Harsil area, reports of damage in Dharali have prompted police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), army, and other disaster response teams to engage in relief and rescue operations at the site.тАЭ
Responding to the incident, SDRF IG informed that battalions with specialised equipment have been dispatched to the spot and are on rescue operation is being done in a coordinated manner.
While speaking to ANI, SDRF IG, Arun Mohan Joshi said, тАЬAs soon as we got the information, our nearest SDRF team has reached the spot. Two other units are about to reach. Rescue work is being done in a coordinated manner. The nearby NDRF, Army teams are also reaching the spot. Specialised equipment in our SDRF battalion headquarters, which can be used in this disaster, is also being sentтАж Whether it is the Army, ITBP, or NDRF, all the teams are reaching the spot, and rescue is being done in a coordinated manner.тАЭ
Meanwhile, UttarakhandтАЩs Sukhi Top area has also experienced a cloudburst, hours after the Dharali area experienced huge losses due to a previous cloudburst. Taking to X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said:тАЭSpoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi) Uttarakhand, and took stock of the situation. Three nearby teams of the ITBP have been sent to the location, and four teams of the NDRF have also been dispatched to the site. They will reach soon and begin the rescue operations.тАЭ
The Home Ministry is closely monitoring the developments, and efforts are underway to ensure timely rescue and relief for those affected by the natural calamity.
Meanwhile, the roads in Gasku, Malghat area on the Dharchula- Gunji route have been closed, with NDRF successfully transporting travellers stranded due to falling rocks. Police officials have urged people not to travel on the route till it is cleared.
The Chamoli police have also informed that the JyotirmathMalari motor road has been washed out near Saldhar. тАЬTravellers and local residents are requested to avoid unnecessary travel and follow the guidelines and information issued by the Chamoli Police,тАЭ the police said in a post on X.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the affected people in Dharali.
тАЬI express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,тАЭ PM Modi posted.
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