Cloudburst in Uttarakhand Triggers Landslide, Nine Labourers Missing
A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district has caused a major landslide, sweeping away a labourers' campsite and leaving eight to nine people missing. The incident occurred along the Barkot-Yamunotri road, disrupting traffic and forcing a temporary suspension of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. The IMD has issued a red alert for the state, warning of more extremely heavy rainfall. Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams are underway amid widespread weather-related disruptions across the region.
Unpacked:
A cloudburst is an extreme amount of rainfall in a short period, often over a localized area. In hilly regions like Uttarakhand, this sudden deluge overwhelms natural drainage, causing landslides, flash floods, and erosion, which can sweep away structures and block roads, leading to severe destruction and casualties.
The Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for at least 24 hours due to landslides blocking routes like the Yamunotri National Highway. Authorities have prioritized public safety by halting the pilgrimage and relocating stranded pilgrims to safer locations while working to restore road connectivity and clear debris.
Rescue teams face difficult terrain, blocked roads, and persistent rain. Heavy machinery cannot reach the site, so most rescues are done manually. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, police, and the army are actively searching for missing workers, but the risk of further landslides complicates their efforts.
Yes, Uttarakhand frequently experiences cloudbursts and landslides during the monsoon season. Many experts note that such extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense in recent years, likely due to climate change and ecological disturbances from construction and deforestation in the Himalayas.