Cloudburst Hits Uttarakhand's Chamoli, Causing Widespread Damage
A cloudburst in the Tharali tehsil of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has caused significant damage, with several people feared missing. The incident on Friday night triggered flash floods that sent debris through homes, shops, and government buildings. A young woman is reported buried under debris in a nearby village. Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams are underway, but road closures due to landslides and heavy rainfall are hampering efforts. The region remains on orange alert for further heavy rain.
Unpacked:
A cloudburst is an extreme rainfall event where a large amount of rain falls in a short period, usually over a small area. In Uttarakhand, the steep terrain and fragile soil make it prone to flash floods when cloudbursts occur, as water rapidly flows downhill, carrying debris and causing widespread damage.
Cloudbursts and flash floods are relatively common in Uttarakhand, especially during the monsoon season. Chamoli and neighboring districts have experienced several such events in recent years, with increasing frequency attributed to climate change and urbanization.
Rescue teams face difficulties due to blocked roads from landslides and debris, persistent heavy rainfall, and difficult mountainous terrain. These conditions delay emergency response, hinder access to affected villages, and complicate evacuation and relief operations.
Authorities have deployed NDRF and SDRF teams for rescue operations, issued helpline numbers, and closed vulnerable roads and schools. Local residents are assisting emergency services, and officials are coordinating relief efforts and monitoring the ongoing orange alert for further rainfall.