August 29,2025:
Five people were killed and three others went missing as heavy rains and cloudbursts struck parts of Uttarakhand early Friday, triggering landslides and widespread destruction. Officials said 30 to 40 families were buried under rubble after houses collapsed in several districts.
The calamity was reported from Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh, where incessant overnight rainfall led to flash floods and slope failures. Rescue teams of the SDRF and NDRF have been pressed into service. Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris and restore access to cut-off villages.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation and directed officials to provide immediate relief. Ex gratia compensation has been announced for the families of the deceased.
Several houses were damaged, bridges swept away, and roads blocked by falling boulders. Electricity and water supply have been disrupted in multiple locations. Authorities have advised residents to avoid riverbanks and vulnerable slopes.
The Meteorological Department attributed the cloudburst to intense monsoon activity. Rainfall warnings remain in place for the next 48 hours.
Uttarakhand, prone to flash floods and landslides, has witnessed recurring disasters in recent years. The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the fragility of the Himalayan terrain and the urgent need for preparedness.
