Uttarkashi village in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district was hit by a devastating cloudburst late on Friday night, resulting in extensive damage to houses and roads. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
According to officials, the cloudburst occurred at Chhada Khadd in Purola village, posing a high risk of significant damage. Numerous houses, vehicles, and roads have been affected by the incident. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage, and a detailed report will be prepared accordingly.
In response to heavy rains in the region, the Uttarkashi district magistrate has ordered the closure of schools on Saturday. The continuous downpour has caused major rivers in the area to overflow and debris to block roads in several places.
As a result, a large number of commuters, including tourists and locals, found themselves stranded in Uttarkashi after the Yamunotri National Highway became impassable due to falling debris near Gangnani. Videos from the area depict vehicles caught in debris, leaving travelers stuck for hours.
The Uttarkashi district disaster management officials have reported significant debris and stones blocking the Yamunotri National Highway due to heavy rains near Gangnani in the Barkot area. To provide relief, teams from the State Disaster Response Force and the fire brigade have been dispatched to the affected location.
The Badrinath National Highway near Chamoli district has also been impacted by falling debris in three places as the rain continues to pour. The debris at Nandprayag, Belakuchi, and Pagalnala has led to blockages along the highway, causing inconvenience to commuters.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations in several districts of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Pauri, and Nainital, over the next 24 hours.
Authorities, along with the disaster management teams, are working tirelessly to clear the debris and ensure the safety of the affected areas. It is crucial for residents and travelers to exercise caution and stay updated on the weather conditions.
This cloudburst incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and prompt response in mitigating their impact. The local authorities and the disaster management teams are working closely to manage the situation and provide necessary assistance to those affected.
Our thoughts go out to the residents of Uttarkashi village, and we hope that the situation improves quickly, with minimal further damage. The resilience of the community in the face of such challenging circumstances is commendable, and we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
