Uttarkashi Cloudburst Unleashes Fury: Flash Floods Devastate Dharali Village, Casualties Reported

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A devastating cloudburst struck Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, triggering flash floods and landslides that caused widespread destruction. The Kheer Ganga river swelled rapidly, inundating Dharali village and its surroundings. Multiple homes, hotels, and businesses were swept away by the torrents of water and debris. Rescue operations are underway, with the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams actively involved in search and evacuation efforts. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of continued heavy rainfall.

Devastating Impact of the Cloudburst

Casualties and Missing Persons: At least four people have been confirmed dead, with dozens more feared missing. The exact number of casualties is still being assessed as rescue operations continue.
Property Destruction: An estimated 40-50 properties, including hotels and homes, were destroyed or severely damaged. Dharali market was completely devastated.
Infrastructure Damage: Roads and bridges have been washed away, disrupting connectivity in the region. A temporary lake has also formed due to the deluge.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

Rescue operations were immediately launched, with the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams deployed to the affected areas. Approximately 70 people have been rescued from Dharali. The Uttarakhand government has requested Army helicopters to aid in the rescue mission. Three IAS officers have been dispatched to oversee the relief efforts. The district administration has issued helpline numbers for those seeking assistance.

Official Response and Warnings

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has declared the incident a natural calamity and is coordinating with central agencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with the Chief Minister, assuring all possible assistance from the central government. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several districts in Uttarakhand, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next few hours, urging residents in low-lying and riverside areas to move to safer locations.

Understanding Cloudbursts in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, situated in the fragile Himalayan region, is prone to natural disasters like cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Factors such as climate change, deforestation, and unplanned construction exacerbate the vulnerability of the state. Cloudbursts, characterized by sudden, intense rainfall in a short period, can dump billions of liters of water, leading to catastrophic events. The state has a history of such devastating incidents, including the 2013 Kedarnath floods.

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