A powerful cloudburst struck India’s northern state of Uttarakhand on Tuesday, unleashing devastating flash floods that swept away a Himalayan village and left at least four dead and over 50 missing, according to Indian officials.
Himalayan Village Wiped Out
The disaster hit the Tharali region in Chamoli district, where video footage showed a violent torrent of water crashing down a hillside, dragging homes and debris along its path.
Local police urged residents to stay away from rivers and vulnerable areas as rescue efforts intensified.
Army and Emergency Responders on the Ground
The Indian military confirmed it had deployed its first teams to the affected area, Dharali, which was struck by a “massive mudslide.” The combination of mud, rocks, and water created a wall of debris that overwhelmed parts of the village.
“Rescue operations are underway on a war footing,” said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, as state and national disaster teams mobilized rapidly.
Fear of Rising Death Toll
While four deaths have been officially confirmed, dozens remain unaccounted for, and officials fear the death toll could rise as search teams dig through the rubble and blocked roads.
NDTV, citing local authorities, reported that communication lines and infrastructure in the region have been severely damaged, complicating rescue efforts.
Monsoon Chaos Across Northern India
Uttarakhand, a mountainous region prone to landslides and flash floods, often suffers during India’s monsoon season. This latest cloudburst adds to a string of recent extreme weather incidents affecting the broader Himalayan belt.
This story is developing. More updates will follow as search and rescue operations continue in the disaster-hit zone.
