Chamoli district in Uttarakhand witnessed devastation late Wednesday night as a cloudburst struck the Nandanagar region, leaving three villages severely affected. At least 12 people have been reported missing, while over 30 houses and cowsheds were damaged or swept away by debris. Rescue teams are searching for those feared trapped under the rubble.
More than 200 villagers have been evacuated to safer locations. The worst-hit area is Kuntri Laga Phali, where eight people are missing and nearly 20 houses and cowsheds were damaged. Around 3 a.m., heavy rainfall triggered landslides that buried several homes under debris. In one incident, two women and a child were rescued alive and admitted to the Nandanagar Community Health Centre.
In Kuntri Laga Sarpani, two more residents were reported missing and two houses collapsed, while 100 villagers were shifted to safety. In Dhurma village, the rising Moksh river caused damage to around 10 houses and left two people missing.
Rescue operations are being carried out by SDRF, NDRF, ITBP (8th Battalion, Gauchar), DDRF, and revenue department teams. However, landslides and road blockages are slowing access, forcing teams to trek on foot to reach the affected villages.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation with the disaster management secretary and directed officials to intensify search efforts for the missing. He assured that the state government stands with affected families, and arrangements for shelter, food, medical aid, and safety are being ensured at relief camps.
