Uttarkashi, India: Uttarkashi, a hilly area in Uttarakhand, has been rocked by a twin tragedy. On Tuesday afternoon, a second cloudburst slammed Sukhi Top just hours after a similar event caused catastrophic flash floods in Dharali hamlet. The series of disasters has caused a lot of damage, destroying homes, hotels, and stores. At least four people have died, and many more are missing.
At about 1:40 PM, the first cloudburst hit the Kheer Gad area near Harsil. It sent a huge wave of water, mud, and debris through Dharali, an important stop on the pilgrimage path to Gangotri Dham. Shardul Gusain, the District Disaster Management Officer, said that four bodies have been found so far. However, officials are worried that the final death toll could be much higher. Eyewitnesses say that up to 25 hotels and homes may have been washed away, and 10 to 12 people may be buried under the rubble.
Some people who saw the wreckage in Dharali said it was like the terrible Chamoli tragedy in 2021. “The water came in like a wall,” said Lokendra Bisht, a local BJP leader, of the terrible spectacle. In just a few seconds, it took everything away. He further said that the flash flood took everyone by surprise.
A huge, coordinated rescue effort is going on in response to the worsening catastrophe. The Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have all sent teams to the areas that were hit. Official reports say that the Indian Army’s quick action in Dharali has already led to the evacuation of 15 to 20 individuals, and injured civilians are getting medical help right now.
The central government and the state administration have both acted quickly. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, talked to Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He promised him all the help he could get from the federal government and told him to treat the rescue and relief efforts like a “war footing.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that he has talked to CM Dhami and that they are doing everything they can to help the people.
The second cloudburst at Sukhi Top makes things worse, as the area that was hit is still closed off because of blocked roads and broken communication lines. Officials are telling people to keep away from rivers and streams since the area is anticipated to see more heavy rain. People who lost their homes in the disaster are being given temporary shelters and relief camps in safe areas.