Several people are feared missing after cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday night. Houses and buildings were covered in debris after the incident.
According to officials, the Tharali market area and Tharali tehsil complex are badly covered with debris. Several residential areas, including the official residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), shops and vehicles are also buried under the debris.
A girl was reported trapped under debris inside a building in nearby Sagwara village, causing panic in the area.
Officials said locals have come out of their homes and rescue operations are underway.
Some shops in the Chepdan market area were also damaged.
The Tharali-Gwaldam road and Tharali-Sagwara road have been closed due to debris and heavy rains, affecting traffic.
A massive cloudburst in Chamoli district—particularly the Tharali area—late Friday night triggered flash floods and debris flows that engulfed the entire area.
The debris engulfed the Tharali market, tehsil complex, SDM residence, shops, and vehicles, turning roads into muddy ponds.
The nearby Sagwara village has been particularly badly affected—according to reports, a 20-year-old woman named Kavita is trapped under the debris, while a man named Joshi is still missing.
Rescue and relief operations
Rescue operations are underway with the help of the NDRF, SDRF, police, BRO, and the Indian Army, and several relief camps have already been set up for the people.
The Tharali-Gwaldam and Tharali-Sagwara roads have been blocked, disrupting movement and complicating operations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has confirmed that he is keeping a close watch on the situation, praying, and coordinating with the authorities.
Context and wider significance
Cloudbursts are a recurring hazard in the western Himalayas, including Uttarakhand. Driven by climate change, these flash floods—greater than 100 mm/hr—lead to catastrophic flooding and landslides.
Detailed information
Location: Tharali area, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
Cause: Cloudburst → Flash flood → Debris flow
Immediate impact: Buried houses, bazaar, tehsil, SDM residence
Number of casualties: 1 woman (Kavita) suspected to be buried; 1 man (Joshi) missing
Response teams: NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, BRO, police
Road status: Blocked (Tharali-Gwaldam and Tharali-Sagwara)
Government alerts CM to monitor; schools closed; Relief camps set up
This incident underlines the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and sustainable planning in areas vulnerable to climate-induced mountain hazards.