A catastrophic cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district has unleashed violent flash floods, sweeping away homes, roads, and bridges while leaving several people missing. The sudden deluge, which struck without warning, has triggered urgent rescue efforts as authorities scramble to assess the full extent of the damage.
Chaos in the Mountains
Local officials report that the cloudburst near Matli village caused rivers to swell dangerously, with gushing waters uprooting trees and boulders. The flash floods damaged at least a dozen houses and disrupted vital road connections, isolating several villages in the mountainous region.
Rescue Operations Underway
Disaster response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to search for missing individuals and provide emergency assistance. Helicopters are being used to reach cut-off areas where landslides have blocked access routes.
"The priority is to locate those reported missing and restore connectivity," stated a district administration official. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families as rainfall continues to hamper relief efforts.
Climate Change Concerns
Environmental experts warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in the Himalayan region due to climate change. Uttarakhand has witnessed multiple cloudburst incidents in recent years, often with deadly consequences.
The state government has announced compensation for affected families while urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert for further weather warnings.
