Two separate cloudbursts struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts on Friday, triggering flash floods, road blockages, and leaving several families stranded under debris, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed.
The cloudbursts occurred in the Bareth Dungar Tok area of Rudraprayag and the Deval area of Chamoli, leading to heavy damage in both districts.
Rivers Overflow, Roads Blocked
In Rudraprayag, continuous downpours caused water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers to rise sharply. Traffic movement has come to a halt as roads between Sirobagad, Bansawada (Syalsaud), and Kund to Chopta remain obstructed by landslides and debris. Visuals from Rudraprayag Police showed an SUV stuck in boulders and rivers flowing with immense force.
Chamoli district faced a similar situation, with rivers swelling to dangerous levels. Authorities issued urgent warnings for residents in riverbank homes to evacuate immediately. Chamoli Police posted on X: “All people living in houses built along the riverbanks, please move to safe locations immediately.”
Relief and Rescue Operations
CM Dhami assured that rescue teams are actively engaged. “I am in constant touch with officials, and relief operations are underway. I pray to Baba Kedar for everyone’s safety,” he posted on X.
Last week, Chamoli had also reported a cloudburst in Tharali, which blocked several roads and caused debris to enter homes in Chepdo Bazar and Kotdweep Bazar, trapping vehicles in mud.
Yatra Routes Affected
Meanwhile, in Uttarkashi, relief efforts are ongoing in Harsil Valley, where a temporary lake formed after debris from Gadgad Gadera obstructed the Yamuna River near Syanachatti. Authorities said there were no issues on the Gangotri Yatra route, while the Yamunotri Yatra is expected to resume once roads are fully restored.
Earlier this month, a severe cloudburst had hit Dharali, leaving more than 100 people missing and forcing suspension of the Gangotri pilgrimage. District Magistrate Prashant Arya has directed the Border Roads Organisation to speed up repair works so the yatra can resume smoothly.
