Cloudbursts Hit Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, Rudraprayag; Families Trapped, Rescue Ops On

Several families were trapped after two separate cloudbursts struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts on Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

The incidents occurred in Bareth Dungar Tok (Rudraprayag) and Deval (Chamoli). Dhami said rescue and relief efforts are underway and added he is in constant touch with officials. “I pray to Baba Kedar for the safe well-being of all,” he posted on X.

Further details are awaited.

Chamoli was hit by another cloudburst last week that blocked roads in Tharali, sent debris into homes and markets, and left vehicles stranded in mud.

Meanwhile, operations continue in Harsil valley, where debris from Gadgad Gadera formed a temporary lake in the Yamuna River near Syanachatti, prompting evacuations. Authorities say the Gangotri yatra remains unaffected, while efforts are ongoing to restore the Yamunotri yatra route.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya has directed the Border Roads Organisation to expedite repairs. Earlier this month, a cloudburst in Dharali left more than 100 people missing and disrupted connectivity in the region.