Cloudburst triggers massive landslide in Uttarakhand, 4 dead, several missing
A powerful cloudburst triggered a massive landslide in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, around 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harsil, at approximately 1:45 pm on Tuesday.
At least four people have died and over 50 are missing after a powerful cloudburst triggered a massive landslide in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, around 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harsil, at approximately 1:45 pm on Tuesday, cutting off all road connectivity to the sacred Gangotri Dham. The disaster unleashed a torrent of water and debris, overwhelming the region and prompting an emergency multi-agency response.
Horrific videos of people screaming surfaced online, as strong waves of floodwater swallowed shelters. The flood caused massive damage to properties. There are also reports of people trapped under debris. Another video showed raging water engulfing houses and toppling buildings. Residents were heard screaming out of fear for their safety as horrific scenes unfolded in front of their eyes.
Uttarkashi Police urged the residents to stay away from the river. “In Uttarkashi, due to the rising water level of Kheer Gad in the Harsil area, reports of damage in Dharali have prompted police, SDRF, army, and other disaster response teams to engage in relief and rescue operations at the site. In view of this incident, everyone should maintain a safe distance from the river. Ensure that you, children, and your livestock are kept at a safe distance from the river," the police tweeted.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that a rescue operation has been ordered. The Indian Army has also been roped in to carry out the rescue operation.
“Rising water levels in the Khir Ganga river have reportedly caused damage in the Dharali market area. Army units from Harsil, along with police and SDRF teams, have been dispatched to Bhatwari," officials said.
According to an eyewitness, Suresh Semwal, several hotels were washed away in the flash flood. “The situation is very bad here. Many hotels have been washed away in the flash flood. Around 50 hotels in this area are totally submerged. Several villagers are also trapped," he said.
What's Your Reaction?
