Heavy Rain Disrupts Chamoli, Two People Reported Missing

Heavy rainfall in Tharali, a town in Chamoli District, has led to significant disruptions, including flooding and debris accumulation at numerous homes and markets. The intense downpour overnight resulted in the overflow of local drainage systems, causing a dry canal, known as Tunri Gadhera, to deposit debris in various locations, including the tehsil office, before it joined the Pindar River.

As a result of the adverse weather, authorities reported that two individuals are missing in the nearby areas of Sagwara and Chepdon. A 20-year-old woman named Kavita is among those unaccounted for from Sagwara, while another person is missing in Chepdon.

Response Efforts Underway

In response to the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed sorrow over the destruction and emphasized that the government is taking the matter seriously. Chamoli’s Additional District Magistrate, Vivek Prakash, confirmed that there has been extensive damage to structures in Tharali and the surrounding regions.

Emergency teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police were dispatched to assist, but their efforts have been hampered by blocked roads. The administration is in the process of setting up relief camps to provide support to affected residents. Sandeep Tiwari, the District Magistrate of Chamoli, traveled to the impacted area early on Saturday to oversee the situation.

According to the Chamoli District Disaster Management Centre, the Karnaprayag-Gwaldam National Highway, which connects Tharali, is currently closed due to debris near Ming Gadhera. Other roads, including the Tharali-Sagwara motor road and the Dungri motor road, are also inaccessible.

Schools in three development blocks have been ordered to remain closed for safety reasons. On social media, Dhami reassured the public, stating, “I am closely monitoring the situation myself. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”

Recent Weather Challenges

This incident follows a devastating cloudburst that struck Uttarkashi district just weeks ago, resulting in one fatality and leaving at least 65 individuals missing. The flash floods that ensued severely impacted the village of Dharali, located approximately 264 kilometers from Chamoli. The village, a key stopover for travelers heading to Gangotri—the source of the Ganges—was buried under a fast-moving mudslide that included slush, rubble, and water.

As heavy rains continue to pose risks in the region, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments needed to fully understand the extent of the damage and the required support for those affected.