Cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag leaves families trapped, relief operations underway

A cloudburst hit Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Thursday night, leaving multiple families trapped and causing several injuries, officials reported. The intense rainfall triggered debris flows that blocked key areas, stranding residents and prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the situation, and in a post on ‘X,’ he stated, “A distressing report has been received that due to cloudbursts in the Bareth Dungar Tok area under the Buskedar tehsil of Rudraprayag district and in the Deval area of Chamoli district, some families have been trapped due to debris flow.”

Relief and rescue operations were immediately launched and continued through the night.

“Relief and rescue operations are underway at a war footing by the local administration; in this regard, I am in constant contact with officials, and have issued necessary instructions to the Disaster Secretary and District Magistrates to ensure the effective conduct of rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safe well-being of all,” Dhami added in a post on X.Read more: 6 weekend getaways from Noida within 150 km that aren’t hill stationsThis marks the second cloudburst in Uttarakhand within a month.

Earlier, heavy rains in Chamoli district had caused significant damage.He also added, “In the morning, a meeting related to disaster management was held at the official residence, where a review was conducted with senior officials, including the Disaster Secretary, regarding the situation arising due to cloudbursts in the Bareth Dungar Tok area of Basukedar Tehsil in Rudraprayag district, the Deval area of Chamoli district, and Tehri.

"During the meeting, officials were directed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing and in an effective manner. Additionally, instructions were given to ensure immediate delivery of assistance funds to affected families, and to take every necessary step with sensitivity and promptness. "Officials were also directed to promptly restore basic facilities such as roads, electricity, and drinking water in the affected areas, ensure the availability of all necessary resources, and remain on alert mode throughout the monsoon season in other districts as well. The state government stands with the public in every situation and will provide all possible assistance and protection to those affected. "Read more: 5 offbeat South Indian escapes perfect for a September sojourn As the monsoon continues to affect the region, officials continue rescue and relief operations, and residents have been urged to follow instructions from authorities to ensure safety. People are strongly urged to check official weather alerts and state government advisories before planning any trip. Safety measures and instructions issued by local authorities must be strictly followed.