• Source:JND
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Uttarkashi Cloudburst Update: At least four people have been killed and around 50 are feared missing after a devastating flood struck the Kheer Ganga river in Dharali, a key stop along the route to Gangotri Dham. The flood, reportedly triggered by a cloudburst in the catchment area above Kheer Ganga, has caused widespread destruction, sweeping away approximately 20 to 25 hotels and homestays.

According to locals, 10 to 12 workers are believed to be trapped in the affected zone. The sudden surge of water has spread panic among residents, forcing many to evacuate their homes in search of safer ground. In response, teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been instructed to reach the affected site for immediate relief and rescue operations.

ALSO READ: Uttarakhand Weather Update: Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Three Other Districts On Orange Alert: Heavy Rain Likely Till Next Four Days

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the significant damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali area of Uttarkashi. 

"As soon as we got the information, our nearest SDRF team reached the spot. Two other units are about to reach. Rescue work is being done in a coordinated manner. The nearby NDRF, Army teams are also reaching the spot. Specialised equipment in our SDRF battalion headquarters, which can be used in this disaster, is also being sent. Whether it is the Army, ITBP, or NDRF, all the teams are reaching the spot, and rescue is being done in a coordinated manner," SDRF IG, Arun Mohan Joshi said.

Uttarakashi Cloudburst Updates:

Another cloudburst has struck Sukhi Top near Dharali, according to the Uttarkashi Administration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. "I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people, " PM Modi said. 

A landslide took place about 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil. Responding swiftly, the Indian Army deployed 150 personnel who arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and began rescue efforts immediately. To date, 15–20 people have been safely evacuated, and those injured are receiving prompt medical care at the Indian Army medical facility in Harshil.

Local resident Rajesh Panwar confirmed that the floodwaters came rapidly and with immense force, leaving the Dharali market buried under debris. There are also alarming reports that the ancient Kalpa Kedar temple, situated on the banks of the Kheer Ganga river, may have been submerged or buried under the flood debris.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that relief teams are actively carrying out rescue operations in the affected areas. "The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety," he wrote in a post on X.

On Monday, two people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Rudraprayag, while two shops were buried under debris and boulders that tumbled down from the hillside. A flood-like situation emerged in Udham Singh Nagar district on Sunday as the water level of the Levda river and its tributary streams surged.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red' alert for extremely heavy rainfall in the state today, along with a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain expected throughout the week.