Uttarakhand’s districts of Chamoli and Rudraprayag witnessed separate cloudbursts on Friday, according to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Continuous rainfall across the hill state has caused river levels to surge sharply, raising concerns of flooding.
The Chief Minister noted that several families have been stranded in areas affected by the cloudbursts due to accumulated debris.
The latest updates indicate that the cloudbursts occurred in Rudraprayag’s Bareth Dungar Tok region and Chamoli’s Deval area. Rivers in both districts are swollen, with water levels reaching alarming heights.
In Rudraprayag, the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers have experienced a sharp rise, disrupting vehicle movement. Rudraprayag Police shared visuals showing an SUV trapped under debris, roads blocked by boulders, and rivers flowing forcefully.
Authorities reported that roads connecting Sirobagad, Bansawada Syalsaud, and Kund to Chopta in Rudraprayag are obstructed in multiple places. In Chamoli, rivers have reached critical levels, prompting authorities to advise residents living near riverbanks to evacuate immediately. “All residents along riverbanks should move to safer locations without delay,” Chamoli Police stated on X.
A similar warning was issued for Rudraprayag. “Rudraprayag Police and administrative teams are urging the public to avoid riverbanks and relocate to secure areas,” the police tweeted. Rising water levels in the Alaknanda river have flooded roads, blocking the Badrinath highway between Srinagar and Rudraprayag.
Traffic control measures have been implemented, and alternative routes are being arranged for pilgrims. Security personnel have also been deployed to ensure safety. While debris caused by the cloudburst has led to some damage in Rudraprayag, rescue and relief operations are actively underway. District Magistrate Prateek Jain is maintaining close coordination with officials at the disaster control room.
CM Dhami confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing and that he remains in constant contact with authorities. “I pray to Baba Kedar for the safety and well-being of everyone,” he posted on X.
Earlier this month, a cloudburst hit Dharali in Uttarakhand, leaving over 100 people missing. Though road connectivity between Uttarkashi and Harsil has recently been restored, the Gangotri pilgrimage continues to remain suspended. District Magistrate Prashant Arya has instructed the Border Roads Organisation to accelerate repairs so that the Gangotri yatra can resume fully.
