1 dies in Chamoli cloudburst

A cloudburst struck the Tharali area of Chamoli district late Friday night, triggering immediate relief and rescue operations led by the district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), ITBP and the local police. Officials confirmed that one woman had died and at least one other person was missing.

The cloudburst caused flashfloods and debris flows that submerged several homes, shops, the tehsil complex and the official residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. In Sagwara village, at least two persons were reported missing, with one later found dead.

The disaster has severely impacted connectivity, with several roads, including the routes to Tharali and neighbouring villages, blocked by debris. The Tharali-Gwaldam and Tharali-Sagwara roads have been closed, disrupting traffic movement.

The officials said the woman died in a house at Sagwara village after being buried under debris. Her body had been recovered. On the other hand, a person was reported to be missing at Chepda village.

A platoon from the 8th Battalion of the ITBP was mobilised from Gochar on Saturday morning. The team immediately launched rescue operations and provided vital assistance to affected villagers. A search operation is also underway to locate the missing person.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the death of the woman.