Back-to-back cloudbursts in Uttarkashi: Sukhi Top latest to be hit after Dharali

Uttarakhand: A fresh cloudburst has hit Sukhi Top near Dharali in Uttarkashi, according to a report by ANI quoting the local district administration.

The incident comes shortly after a massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gad region near Harsil, unleashing a sudden surge of debris and water through the settlement.

"After the incident of Harsil in Uttarkashi, there is a Sukhi Top on this road, there is news of a cloudburst there as well. However, there is no news of any loss of life or property from there. However, the disadvantage is that the rain is extremely heavy, causing the water level to rise. Consequently, the situation is being closely monitored, and the priority is to evacuate people to safe areas. Our Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams are continuously engaged there. People are definitely being rescued with the help of local people...," said Commissioner Garhwal Mandal, Vinay Shankar Pandey.

The Indian Army confirmed the incident on Tuesday and stated that troops from the Ibex Brigade were promptly mobilised to the site to assess the situation and begin rescue efforts.

According to a statement from Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Brigade Commander, "The landslide occurred around 1:45 P.M. near Dharali village, just 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil. Within ten minutes of the incident, the Army mobilised 150 personnel to the disaster site with specialised medical and rescue equipment along with doctors who are engaged in rescue operations."

The Army officer also added that, "Till now, the Indian Army has rescued 20 people and those injured are being treated. Subsequently, another mudslide and cloudburst hit the Army camp in Harshil. Despite this, the Army is steadfast in its resolve to assist the local populace and are carrying out rescue operations."

On cloudburst in Dharali village, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu told PTI, "Since road connectivity has been impacted, a bridge has been washed away, we are talking to the officials of BRO, PWD, our priority is to restore connectivity, the weather is bad at present, we are not able to provide relief, and rescue through helicopter services. But SDRF, Army are there... Prima facie, it seems that 40-50 properties have been damaged. We are trying to get further information, we will be acting accordingly."

In an official statement, the Army’s Central Command said: "The extent of damage is currently being assessed. Relief and rescue operations are underway, and further updates will follow."

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by the cloudburst. He confirmed that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and district authorities are conducting rescue operations and closely monitoring the evolving situation.

Taking to the social media platform X, CM Dhami said: "The news of heavy destruction caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely distressing. SDRF, NDRF, the district administration, and other teams are carrying out relief and rescue work on a war footing. I am in constant touch with senior officials. Praying for everyone's safety."

The Home Ministry is closely monitoring the developments, and efforts are underway to ensure timely rescue and relief for those affected by the natural calamity.

A sudden flash flood struck the Dharali area in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, prompting swift action from authorities. In response to the incident, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand briefed central leadership on the current situation.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.

NDRF told ANI that its three teams, one each from Manera, Batkot and Dehradun-- have been dispatched to the cloudburst site in Uttarkashi. "Further, two teams are in readiness at Shashtradhar airstrip for airlift."

Meanwhile, ITBP told ANI that its 16-member team has arrived at the cloudburst site in Uttarkashi to assist in rescue operations, and another team of its 12th Battalion has also been rushed from Matli in Uttarakhand.