A cloudburst struck Chamoli district, Uttarakhand late Friday night, causing extensive damage across the region. The Tharali market, Kotdeep, and the Tharali tehsil complex were hit hard as large amounts of debris swept through homes, the SDM residence, and other buildings.
Several vehicles parked at the tehsil complex were buried under the debris. The heavy flow of water and debris turned the town’s streets into temporary ponds.
In nearby Sagwara village, reports indicate that a young girl is feared dead after being trapped under the debris, causing panic in the area. Local residents rushed out of their homes as rescue and relief operations began.
Some shops in Chepdaon market were also damaged by falling debris, and one person has been reported missing, further intensifying the emergency.
Expressing concern over the tragedy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with officials overseeing the rescue efforts. In a post on X, he wrote: “Late last night, a tragic report of a cloudburst was received in the Tharali area of Chamoli district. The district administration, SDRF, and police have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. In this regard, I am in constant contact with the local administration and am personally closely monitoring the situation. I pray to God for everyone's safety.”
The Tharali-Gwaldam road near Minggedera is blocked due to debris and heavy rainfall, while the Tharali-Sagwara route is also closed, affecting local movement.
Amid the devastation, many cars and vehicles were washed away in the catastrophe. A video surfaced from Chamoli in which a distressed man can be heard saying, “Meri car doob gayi” (My car has sunken), reflecting the scale of damage and personal losses suffered by the locals.
“The police and administration teams are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations,” said District Magistrate Dr Sandeep Tiwari.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team has been dispatched from Gauchar to the site. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working near Ming Khedere to clear the road and facilitate traffic and relief operations.
The district administration has ordered all schools and anganwadi centres in Tharali tehsil to remain closed on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Source: India Today