Devastating Floods Sweep Uttarakhand’s Tharali, Two Missing in Chamoli
Heavy rains trigger floods, chaos in Uttarakhand’s Tharali town.
Torrential rains unleashed severe flooding in Tharali town, Chamoli district, leaving two people missing and causing widespread disruption. The deluge, which struck late Friday night, overwhelmed a rain drain, sending debris crashing into the Tharali tehsil office and nearby homes, the Chamoli district administration reported. A 20-year-old woman was reportedly buried under debris in Sagwara village, while another individual vanished in the Chepdon market area, sparking urgent search efforts.
The flooding, fueled by relentless downpours, created a perilous situation along Tunri Gadhera, with debris piling up near structures along the Pindar River. The Karnaprayag-Gwaldam National Highway, a critical lifeline, remains blocked due to debris near Ming Gadhera, stranding travelers and disrupting supply chains. The Tharali-Sagwara and Dungri roads are also closed, further isolating the region.
In response, authorities ordered the closure of schools across three development blocks to ensure safety. Rescue teams, supported by the State Disaster Response Force, are navigating treacherous conditions to locate the missing and assist affected residents. “The situation is critical, with debris choking key areas,” said a district official, noting that efforts to clear roads and assess damage are underway.
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Local residents described scenes of panic as floodwaters surged, carrying mud and debris into homes. “The water came so fast, we barely had time to react,” said a Sagwara villager. The administration is providing temporary shelters and relief supplies, but the ongoing rains threaten further devastation, raising fears of additional landslides in this hilly region prone to natural disasters.
