Cloudburst in Chamoli triggers flash floods: 1 dead, rescue ops underway

A cloudburst in Chamoli's Tharali area killed one person and left two missing; homes, shops and vehicles were buried under debris as Army, NDRF and SDRF teams carry out rescue operations

A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district late Friday night led to flash floods in the Tharali area, killing one person and leaving at least two others missing. The sudden surge of water and debris caused extensive damage to homes, shops, and government buildings.

 

District Magistrate of Chamoli Sandeep Tiwari told news agency ANI that there has been extensive damage in the region. "There is a possibility of a lot of damage due to the cloud burst in Tharali tehsil of Chamoli last night. A lot of debris has come due to the cloudburst, due to which many houses, including the SDM residence, have been completely damaged," he said.

 

 

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Due to a cloudburst in Tharali of Chamoli district, debris has entered houses, the market, and the SDM's residence. District Magistrate and relief teams have left for the spot. Two people are reported missing: Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod… pic.twitter.com/V2aesFekFf

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2025

 

Chamoli cloudburst: Homes, shops and vehicles buried

 

Debris swept into the Tharali market, damaging residential areas and vehicles. According to Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash, a 20-year-old woman named Kavita was buried under debris, while a man identified as Joshi remains missing. Relief camps have been set up for affected families.

 

He added, “The road has been blocked due to the floods and people are facing a lot of problems. NDRF and SDRF teams are at the spot, and the administration is engaged in relief work.”

 

Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said teams had been rushed to the affected site. "Due to a cloudburst in Tharali of Chamoli district, debris has entered houses, the market, and the SDM's residence. District Magistrate and relief teams have left for the spot. Two people are reported missing," he added.

 

Army steps in for relief operations

 

The Indian Army’s Infantry battalion from Rudraprayag joined rescue efforts on Saturday. Around 50 soldiers were deployed to assist with clearing debris and supporting evacuation.

 

A medical team from Joshimath, search-and-rescue dogs, and surveillance drones have also been sent to help locate missing persons. Preliminary reports confirm widespread damage to homes and vehicles.

 

Meanwhile, teams from NDRF, SDRF, police, ITBP, and SSB are working on ground. Roads near Harmani have been cleared to ensure smoother rescue operations. 

 

VIDEO | Uttarakhand: Heavy rainfall since late evening has caused massive destruction in Chamoli district’s Tharali region. A cloudburst late Friday night buried several vehicles under debris in Radibagad and Chepado.  (Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/NXF9bkcNmw

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2025

  CM Dhami monitors situation

 

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the death of the young woman and assured constant monitoring of relief operations. He posted on X, “Late last night, a tragic report of a cloudburst was received in Tharali. The district administration, SDRF, and police have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am personally monitoring the situation and pray for everyone’s safety.”

 

The CM also spoke to local representatives and instructed them to extend full support to the district administration. Schools in Tharali, Deval, and Narayanbagar blocks were declared closed on Saturday due to heavy rainfall.

 

Rivers swell amid continuous rainfall

 

Heavy monsoon rains have also caused the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers to rise above the danger mark. Visuals shared by the state’s Information Department showed water flowing dangerously close to people’s homes. Authorities have warned residents near riverbanks to remain alert.

 

In Uttarkashi’s Syanachatti area, efforts are underway to drain a temporary lake formed after the Yamuna swelled due to rains. Roads in Pithoragarh have also been blocked because of landslides.

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert on Friday, warning of intense rainfall and thunderstorms across Uttarakhand. The alert remains in place until Saturday afternoon.

 

(With ANI inputs)