A sudden cloudburst in the hilly region of Uttarakhand turned deadly on Monday night, triggering a massive flash flood that swept away an entire village within minutes. Officials confirmed at least 28 deaths, with dozens more missing as rescue operations continue under difficult weather conditions.
According to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the cloudburst occurred around 11:45 p.m. near the Mandakini River in Rudraprayag district. Within minutes, a wall of water carrying mud, rocks, and debris surged through the valley, demolishing homes, washing away roads, and destroying vital infrastructure. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud roar before the deluge hit, leaving residents with barely any time to escape.
Rescue teams, including the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local volunteers, are working round the clock to locate survivors. Heavy rainfall and damaged access roads have hampered relief efforts, forcing some teams to reach the affected area on foot. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift the injured and drop essential supplies.
State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced immediate financial aid for affected families and assured that rehabilitation work will begin once the weather stabilizes. “Our priority is to rescue the stranded and provide shelter, food, and medical care to survivors,” he said.
Experts warn that the incident highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region, worsened by climate change and unplanned construction. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall in the state over the next 48 hours, raising fears of further landslides and flooding.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to safer locations until the situation improves. For now, the small village once nestled in the valley stands as a stark reminder of nature’s fury and the fragility of human settlements in the mountains.
