Tharali Tehsil Hit Hard; Homes, Shops, and Roads Buried Under Debris
A devastating cloudburst struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district late Friday night, leaving several people feared missing and causing widespread destruction in the region. The Tharali tehsil and surrounding villages have been severely affected, with debris sweeping through residential areas, markets, and government buildings.
Key Affected Areas and Damages
- Tharali market area and Tharali tehsil complex are buried under heavy debris.
- The official residence of the SDM, shops, and vehicles have been destroyed.
- In Sagwara village, a girl was reported trapped under debris inside a building.
- Chepdon market also reported property damage.
- Roads including Tharali-Gwaldam and Tharali-Sagwara are blocked, affecting traffic movement.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
NDRF and SDRF Deployed
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been on the ground since last night:
- Teams are working to locate missing persons and clear debris.
- Relief camps have been set up for evacuated residents.
- Local police and administration are assisting in evacuations and safety alerts.
“A lot of debris has come due to the cloudburst, damaging several houses including the SDM residence,” said Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari.
Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash stated:
“The road is blocked due to floods. Relief efforts are ongoing. Many people have been safely evacuated.”
Uttarakhand CM Monitoring Situation Closely
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that he is in constant contact with local officials and monitoring developments closely.
“Relief and rescue operations are underway. I pray for everyone’s safety,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Weather Alert Issued for Uttarakhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for very heavy rainfall across multiple districts of Uttarakhand until August 25.
Rainfall Forecast:
- August 23: Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Dehradun
- August 24: Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh
- August 25: Garhwal Hills, Nainital, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh
The cloudburst in Chamoli adds to the series of extreme weather events Uttarakhand has witnessed this monsoon, including flash floods, landslides, and continuous heavy rainfall. Authorities urge residents to stay alert and follow official safety instructions.
