Chamoli: A sudden cloudburst in Tharali tehsil of Chamoli district triggered widespread destruction, leaving behind trails of debris and panic in the region. Officials confirmed that several houses were razed, while the official residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) also suffered heavy damage.
District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari informed that rescue and relief teams were immediately dispatched to the site. Initial reports suggest that one young girl is missing, with efforts underway to trace her.
“Debris has swept into residential areas, local markets, and even the SDM’s residence. Teams are working on ground to ensure safety and assess the damage,” said Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman. He also noted that two people were feared missing earlier, but official confirmation is awaited.
The overnight disaster has left villagers in shock, as many lost their homes and belongings within moments. Roads were also blocked in parts of the tehsil, hampering swift relief operations. Authorities have assured that affected families will be shifted to safer shelters and provided immediate assistance.
The incident comes close on the heels of the Dharali calamity, highlighting the growing frequency of extreme weather events in Uttarakhand during this monsoon season. Experts have once again stressed the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness in the fragile Himalayan region.
