NEW DELHI: One of the worst cloudburst in the history of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand has caused massive devastation. On Tuesday, August 5, a cloudburst occurred at Dharali, a major stop on the way to Gangotri Dham, triggering a destructive flood in the Khir Ganga river.
As a result of the flood, around 20 to 25 hotels and homestays have been destroyed. There are reports of heavy loss of Army unit base in the Harshil areas. Report suggests that the lower areas have suffered extensive damage. Several hotels and houses have been buried under debris, and many people are reported missing.
So far, the exact number of deaths and missing persons has not been confirmed. But unofficial information said around 4 dead and large numbers of hotel workers labourers are missing.
As per the videos of the indigents many houses and hotels of Dharali town flew away like straws. A local citizen on the basis of Primary reports suggested that at least 20 residents of the town swept away in high voltage flood after the cloud burst in the upper area of Harshil.
Officials said there is a possibility of huge loss of life and property. Rescue teams have been dispatched as soon as the news of the disaster was received.
On Tuesday day time around 2 o’clock a cloud burst occurred near Dharali town. Due to the cloud burst there was a sudden flood in Kheer Ganga.
No one had a chance to recover. The hair-raising flood engulfed everything in a moment.
Seeing the flood, many villagers alerted people by making noise and blowing whistles. On the other hand, according to the information received from the Emergency Operations Center, on August 5, at around 1:50 pm, due to the rise in water level in Kheer Gadh under Tehsil Bhatwadi, Police Station Harshil, heavy debris fell in Tharali market area and some buildings, hotels and shops were damaged. Separate information will be sent regarding the actual loss of life / damage.
SDRF/NDRF/Army has been activated for search and rescue operations and police has left for the spot and air requisition is being sent for seeking assistance of Air Force.
Official in Dehradun informed that beds have been reserved in nearby hospitals in Srinagar medical College and other areas including AIIMS Rishikesh and Dehradun. Ambulances are already dispatched to the site of the incident.
According to the information received, apart from hotels, homestays and houses in Dharali town, a large number of trees were destroyed. After the earthquake passed, the area started looking like a plane. And the area was filled with debris.
The news of heavy losses due to cloudburst in Tharali (Uttarkashi) area is extremely sad and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration and other related teams are engaged on war footing for relief and rescue operations.
I am in constant touch with senior officials in this regard and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone’s safety. Said CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed deep grief over the unfortunate incident of cloudburst in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. He has expressed condolences on the loss of life and property in this disaster and expressed sympathy to the affected families.
In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the NDRF and other relief agencies to work promptly.
[Writer is a Senior Journalist and Political Commentator]
