After Dharali, Cloudburst Strikes Near Sukki in Uttarakhand—Bhagirathi River’s Fierce Form Caught on Video

National News: Nature has once again shown its fierce form in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. According to the district administration, another cloudburst incident has been reported in the Sukhi Top area of Dharali on Tuesday. Although detailed information about this latest incident is not yet available, the administration has started relief and rescue operations with immediate effect.

Dharali village of Uttarkashi, which is an important stop on the way to Gangotri Dham, has been repeatedly falling prey to natural disasters in recent times. The news of a cloudburst at Sukhi Top, which is a high-altitude area near Dharali, has put the local people and the administration on high alert. The district administration said that Dharali and surrounding areas have already suffered huge losses due to the sudden rise in the water level of the Kheer Ganga river. Now the incident of cloudburst at Sukhi Top has made the situation even more serious.

Relief and rescue operations started

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that relief and rescue operations were started as soon as the cloudburst was reported at Sukhi Top. SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), local police, and army teams immediately rushed to the spot. The administration has appealed to people to maintain distance from rivers and drains and has instructed local residents to move to safer places. 

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also expressed deep grief over this incident. He wrote on social media, "The news of the damage caused by the cloudburst in Dharali and surrounding areas is extremely sad. Our teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations with full force. I am monitoring the situation, and all possible help will be given to the affected people." 

Already a scene of devastation in the area

A major cloudburst incident in the Dharali and Harshil area had caused massive destruction. Sudden floods and debris in the Kheer Ganga river had devastated the Dharali market and several houses, hotels, and homestays. Four people were confirmed dead in this disaster, while dozens were reported missing. The latest incident in Sukhi Top has further increased the concerns of the administration. 

Weather Department's warning

According to the Meteorological Center, Dehradun, heavy rains may continue in many parts of Uttarakhand. A heavy rain alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, and other districts. Experts say that incidents of cloudbursts and landslides are increasing due to global warming and unplanned construction work in the Himalayan regions. 

Appeal to people to be cautious

Uttarkashi police and administration have advised people to stay away from rivers, drains, and weak slopes. Also, local people and pilgrims have been appealed to follow the warnings of the Meteorological Department and stay in safe places. Gangotri Dham has been cut off from the district headquarters, due to which the situation has become more complicated.