Two missing as cloudburst wreaks havoc in Chamoli, rescue operations underway

New Delhi: Two people have gone missing after a cloudburst hit Mopata village in Dewal Tehsil of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in the early hours of Friday.

The missing have been identified as Tara Singh and his wife, whose disappearance has left their family and the local community in distress. Another couple, Vikram Singh and his wife, sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The cloudburst also damaged a residential house and a cowshed, with 15 to 20 livestock feared buried under the debris.

Chamoli District Development Officer Abhishek Tripathi said the cloudburst occurred between 2.00 and 2.30 a.m. “Due to the heavy rainfall, one house has reportedly been damaged. In this incident, two people have been injured, and two others are reported missing. A local administration team has already left for the spot,” he said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a post on X that debris flow following the cloudburst had blocked several areas, leaving people stranded. He added that relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing, and he is in constant touch with officials. Dhami said he has instructed the Disaster Secretary and District Magistrate to ensure effective coordination of rescue efforts. “I pray to Baba Kedar for everyone's safety,” he wrote.

Teams from the local administration and disaster management departments are on the ground, working to locate the missing and clear debris. Authorities have assured that necessary assistance is being extended to affected residents, with continuous monitoring of the situation.