Cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag: Many Feared Trapped

Cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag Leaves Many Feared Trapped

A powerful cloudburst struck Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand late Thursday, triggering flash floods and landslides. Dozens of families are feared trapped, while critical roads remain blocked, cutting off several villages from essential supplies.

Rescue Operations Underway After Sudden Cloudburst

Teams from SDRF, NDRF, police, and local administration are on the ground, working tirelessly to rescue people stuck under debris. Relief camps have been set up, offering food, shelter, and medical support to those displaced. Despite heavy rains, machinery is being used to clear blocked highways and restore communication lines.

Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Nearby Districts on High Alert

Chamoli district, already reeling from last week’s cloudburst, has been hit again. The Tharali market area and tehsil complex were buried under mud and stones, damaging homes, shops, and vehicles. Authorities have placed Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and surrounding areas under high alert due to the risk of more cloudbursts and landslides.

Pilgrimage Routes and Schools Disrupted by Heavy Rains

The cloudburst has disrupted pilgrimage routes, stranding thousands of devotees visiting holy shrines in Uttarakhand. In addition, schools in vulnerable areas remain closed for safety reasons. Neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are also witnessing road blockages, power failures, and rising flood risks, worsening the regional crisis.