Heavy rains and sudden cloudbursts wreaked havoc in several districts of Uttarakhand early Friday, triggering landslides that left at least four people dead and several others missing. Authorities report that 30-40 families have been buried under debris, and multiple houses have been damaged across the state.
Districts Worst Affected
Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Bageshwar were among the hardest-hit areas. According to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), overnight rainfall in Pausari Gram Panchayat, Kapkot area of Bageshwar, destroyed nearly six houses, killing two people and leaving three others missing. Two bodies have been recovered so far.
In Mopata village of Chamoli district, a house and a cowshed were buried under landslide debris, resulting in the deaths of a couple and injuring another resident. In Basukedaar area of Rudraprayag, incessant rain and landslides caused extensive damage to more than half a dozen villages. Reports indicate that 30-40 families are trapped under debris and floodwaters in Taljaman village.
Rescue Challenges
Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde stated that four locals and an equal number of Nepali workers are trapped under debris in Chenagad area. Broken roads at multiple locations are slowing rescue operations. In Syur village, a house has been damaged and a parked car swept away by the debris. Ravines near Badeth, Bagaddhar, and Taljamani villages are also flooded.
Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his concern on X, stating, “Sad news has been received about some families being stranded due to debris falling after cloudbursts in Badeth Dungar under Tehsil Basukedaar area of Rudraprayag and Dewal area of Chamoli district.”
He confirmed that relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing, with constant monitoring and instructions given to district officials. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, DDRF, and revenue police have been deployed to disaster-hit areas.
Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure
In Tehri’s Budha Kedar area, sheds for livestock and temples were buried under landslide debris. In Genwali village, landslides damaged a house courtyard and a toilet. The irrigation department’s security wall, constructed after last year’s disaster, was washed away. Rising water levels in Balganga, Dharmganga, Bhilangana, Alaknanda, and Mandakini rivers are causing panic among locals. Potato fields in the region were also destroyed.
Authorities continue to alert people living near riverbanks, urging them to remain cautious and cooperate with rescue teams.
Before you go, check out our other article as well!
Delhi Flood Alert: Yamuna Crosses Danger Level, Authorities on High Alert
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