Sudden floods and debris flows struck Tharali in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand late Friday night, leaving at least two people missing and several villages cut off. Rising waters and debris have inundated homes, markets, and vehicles, causing significant damage.
The Karnaprayag-Gwaldam National Highway, which connects Tharali, was rendered impassable due to debris near Ming Gadhera. In Sagwara village, a 21-year-old woman and an elderly man are reportedly trapped under debris. Around 12:48 am on Saturday, 1-2 feet of debris entered Chepadon and Kotdeep markets, damaging homes and shops.
The district administration confirmed that rescue efforts are underway. Teams from the local police, Tehsil administration, DDRF, fire services, and civil authorities are at the site. NDRF and SDRF units have also been dispatched, while the Border Roads Organisation has started clearing the blocked Tharali–Gwaldam road.
Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash stated that arrangements are being made to relocate affected residents to safer locations. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant contact with local authorities.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across Uttarakhand, including Chamoli, Dehradun, Tehri, Bageshwar, and Nainital. Authorities have announced an orange alert for several districts for the coming week.
Authorities continue intensive rescue and relief operations as the region braces for continued rainfall and potential further flooding.
