Uttarakhand flash floods highlights: 4 dead, around 100 missing, including army jawans

Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said that that the cloudburst is a very tragic incident, but the loss of life and property is "even more painful".

"At the same time, this incident reminds us once again that it is very important to prioritise climate change to understand and address the impacts of nature... I myself had proposed a Climate Change Council Bill... but unfortunately, it could not be discussed much. I hope that every state will show priority in this regard... The cloudburst incident in Uttarkashi is tragic, and I hope that the government will provide every possible relief," she told news agency ANI.

As search and rescue operations continue in Uttarkashi, the Army said that so far 20 people have been rescued.

Uttarkashi SP Sarita Doval said that the people who were stuck in Dharali village were taken to safe places. Doval said that the local police, SDRF, ITBP, and the Indian Army's Rajput Rifles were present on the site, ANI news agency reported. “Since there is another landslide on the way, some of our teams are stuck there,” Doval added.

President Droupadi Murmi posted on X, "The news of the cloudburst incident in Uttarkashi is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the affected families and wish for success in the relief and rescue operations."

Uttarkashi SP Sarita Doval said that Dharali has suffered significant loss of life and property due to the cloudburst disaster in Harshil, adding that rescue teams have safely evacuated several stranded people near the incident site.

She also said, "Due to the development of a temporary lake on the Bhagirathi River near Harshil caused by the aforementioned incident, there is a possibility of flash floods in the lower areas. In view of the adverse situation and safety concerns, people residing in dangerous locations near the Bhagirathi River should evacuate their homes and move to a safe place."

BJP MP Haridwar and former Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat said, "District officials are present at the site, and rescue and relief operations are underway. The Home Minister has assured that all necessary assistance will be provided. Our top priority is to ensure immediate relief. A local fair was taking place nearby, and because of that, many lives may have been saved, the toll could have been worse. The government is committed to ensuring that no one faces any shortage of assistance."

Meteorologist Gufran-Ullah Beig told news agency PTI, "Although in the general terminology, we are calling it a cloudburst, it is probably not that. The continuous rain was happening in the surrounding areas. The natural stream coming from the mountains overflowed... The reason is simple, the drainages are getting blocked."

NDRF DIG, Mohsen Shahedi, told news agency ANI, "The incident took place around 2 PM in Harsil town. Three teams of NDRF were sent to the spot, and they will reach the spot soon. There are 35 members in each team, and they are well-equipped to rescue the people trapped there. According to the initial reports, around 40-50 houses have been washed away, and more than 50 people are missing... A large-scale rescue operation will have to be carried out there."

BJP MP from Garhwal, Anil Baluni, told news agency ANI, "The incident that happened in the Dharali market of Uttarkashi is very frightening... The state government is keeping a close eye on the situation. The administration has reached there. NDRF, SDRF have also been moved. We have just met the Home Minister and he has told us that all the agencies of the Government of India have been sent."

"The army has also been told to be prepared and, ITBP and SDRF have also reached... The damage is being assessed... The rescue operation is being carried out speedily... The CM is also keeping an eye on the situation. We are trying to control the situation very soon and save as many people as possible," he added.

Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed concerns over the cloudburst and flash floods incident in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi.

"We see such devastating scenes every monsoon like landslides, cloudbursts, floods, disrupting thousands of lives and even claiming lives. Nature warns us, but ignoring those warnings has consequences. It's the government's responsibility to regulate development and prevent such recurring tragedies," he told news agency PTI.

AIIMS Rishikesh PRO Sandeep Kumar told news agency ANI, "As soon as we got this information (about the cloudburst), the Trauma Centre was informed that if any patient comes to the hospital, they are provided treatment immediately."

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath described the cloudbursts and flash floods in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi as "extremely tragic and heart-wrenching".

"The unfortunate incident of a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region of Uttarakhand is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal Ji for the well-being of the people affected by this accident," he said in a post on X.

Geographical Disaster Expert DN Joshi, while speaking to news agency PTI, explained that a cloudburst happens when heavy rainfall takes place in a short span of time.

These incidents happen mostly in hilly areas, he said. "Meteorological departments issue warnings. We should work in accordance with nature. Uttarkashi and Kedarnath Ghati are called high-risk zones. We often hear about such incidents, and therefore, we should take shelter at a higher place whenever such situations erupt," Joshi added.

A purported video from Uttarkashi surfaced on social media, showing people stuck in the mudslide and trying to move to a safer location.

People were heard screaming in the video, yelling at other people to reach to a safer spot.

HT.com couldn't independently verify the authenticity of this video.

Vinay Shankar Pandey, Commissioner Garhwal Mandal, said that another cloudburst occurred in the Sukhi Top, however, "there is no news of any loss of life or property from there".

"However, the disadvantage is that the rain is extremely heavy, causing the water level to rise. Consequently, the situation is being closely monitored, and the priority is to evacuate people to safe areas. Our Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams are continuously engaged there. People are definitely being rescued with the help of local people," he told news agency ANI.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand for Tuesday.

Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu told news agency PTI that road connectivity has been impacted in Uttarkashi owing to the flash floods and twin cloudbursts in the region.

"Since road connectivity has been impacted, a bridge has been washed away, we are talking to the officials of BRO, PWD, our priority is to restore connectivity, the weather is bad at present, we are not able to provide relief, and rescue through helicopter services. But SDRF, Army are there... Prima facie, it seems that 40-50 properties have got damaged. We are trying to get further information, we will be acting accordingly," he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences to the affected families in the Uttarkashi cloudburst and flash floods.

In a post on X, he said, "The news of many deaths and several others missing due to the severe devastation caused by a cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarakhand, is extremely sad and concerning. I express my deepest condolences to the affected families and hope for the swift recovery of those who are missing."

"I appeal to the administration to expedite relief and rescue operations. I request Congress leaders and workers to cooperate with the administration in relief efforts and provide all possible assistance to those in need," he added.

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed "deepest condolences" over the Uttarkashi cloudburst and said, "The devastation caused by the cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) of Uttarakhand is extremely heartbreaking. Many people have lost their lives, and many others are missing. Homes have been completely destroyed."

"I express my deepest condolences to those affected by this horrific tragedy and pray for the safe return of those who are missing," he added.

"I appeal to the government and administration to expedite relief and rescue operations and, if needed, deploy additional NDRF teams for assistance," Kharge posted on X.

The Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been washed out near Saldhar, Chamoli Police said, requesting travelers and local residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

District Magistrate Prashant Arya said that a lot of water has come down due to the cloudburst. "There are many restaurants and hotels there. Army teams have been sent to the spot. I have been informed that four people have lost their lives. We are leaving for the spot," he added.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him over a phone call and inquired about the situation there.

"During this, he was informed about the relief and rescue operations being conducted by the state government, SDRF, army, and other rescue teams. Honorable Prime Minister ji assured all possible assistance from the central government," he added.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh took to X and said, "Have been seeing disturbing visuals from Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) on the devastation caused by flash floods. Praying for the well-being of the people affected by the tragedy. The Centre and the State Government are working in tandem, taking all possible measures to save precious lives."

BJP chief JP Nadda expressed concerns over the flash floods and cloudbursts in Uttarkashi's Dharali.

"The news of several people being killed due to a sudden cloudburst in Dharali village, located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, is extremely heart-wrenching," he said in a post on X.

Nadda added, "For the immediate assistance of the victims, the Uttarakhand government, along with relief and rescue teams, is fully engaged with utmost dedication. In this hour of crisis, all BJP workers in the state are involved in providing every possible help to the victims. I express my condolences to the affected families. I pray to God for the well-being of all those affected by this horrific accident."

The Uttarkashi police issued an advisory for the districts due to incessant rainfall in the region. "Please exercise caution. Avoid going near rivers and streams. Stay in a safe place," it added in a post on X.

The police asked residents to dial 112 in case they require any assistance.