Severe rainfall and cloudburst devastate Uttarakhand: 4 dead, pilgrims stranded

A series of severe weather events struck Uttarakhand on Wednesday, resulting in four fatalities, including two children, and multiple injuries. The crisis unfolded amidst heavy rain and a cloudburst, causing significant damage and disruption across the state.

A devastating cloudburst was reported 8 kilometers ahead of Ghansali, while a house collapse in Haridwar’s Bhauri Dera Shantarshah village led to the deaths of Aas Mohammad, 10, and Nagma, 8. Nine others were injured in the collapse and are receiving medical treatment.

The ongoing rain caused extensive damage along the Kedarnath Yatra route, with nearly 200 pilgrims stranded after heavy rainfall washed away parts of their walking path. The pilgrims were halted at the Bhimbali Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) complex. Banshidhar Tiwari, Director General (Information), stated, “Due to heavy rains in Kedarnath, approximately 20 to 25 meters of footpath near Bhimbali has been washed out and large boulders have obstructed the way. Rescue teams are actively working at the site.”

In response to rising river levels, residents in the Gaurikund sector, including those at the Kedarnath temple, have been evacuated to safety, with no reported casualties from the temple area.

The heavy rains have also led to the evacuation of three houses in Thati village due to debris fall. In Chamoli, a house collapse in Belchori left a woman and a child missing, prompting an immediate response from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been in contact with the disaster management secretary and has issued directives for relief and rescue operations. Following instructions from the commissioner of the Garhwal division, the government has decided to suspend the Chardham Yatra registration at centers in Haridwar and Rishikesh for Thursday. The decision aims to manage the safety of pilgrims amidst the ongoing weather challenges.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for several areas, with Chief Minister Dhami urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prioritize safety. “The safety of our people and the travelers visiting our state remains our top priority,” Dhami emphasized.

Authorities are on high alert, with district administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and SDRF teams actively engaged in managing the situation and providing assistance to those affected by the severe weather.