From Kedarnath to Dharali: A Timeline of Recent Tragedies

A devastating cloudburst in Dharali village near Gangotri caused severe flooding, claiming 4 lives and leaving 50 plus missing. Uttarakhand faces recurring cloudburst disasters, highlighting climate risks and infrastructure challenges.

Uttarkashi: A cloudburst caused terrible devastation in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Tuesday. Due to a sudden cloudburst in this village located near Gangotri Dham, the drain water overflowed, causing heavy floods in the low-lying areas. So far 4 people have been confirmed dead in this accident, while more than 50 people are missing. Rain is still continuing, due to which there is a danger of more cloudbursts.

Major incidents of cloudburst in Uttarakhand in the last few years

1. July 9, 2024, Chamoli: Many houses and cowsheds suffered heavy damage due to cloudburst. A drain turned into a river, submerging the entire village.

2. July 31, 2024, Tehri (Jakhnyali): Three members of the same family died.

3. 19-20 July 2024, Pithoragarh: 11 people died, many went missing, and many houses were destroyed.

4. 16-17 June 2013, Kedarnath: More than 5000 people died, which is considered one of the worst natural disasters in the world.

5. September 2012, Uttarkashi: 45 people died, 40 missing (only 22 bodies were found).

6. August 1998, Kumaon (Kali Ghati): 250 people died, including 60 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.

Why does cloudburst happen?

A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event in which a heavy amount of water falls in a short period of time. This usually happens in hilly areas, where the slope of the land is steep and the water flows rapidly and wreaks havoc in the lower areas. This problem is more visible during monsoon in Uttarakhand.

Response of the Government and Administration

- Relief and Rescue Operation: Teams of NDRF, SDRF, and local administration are engaged in rescuing people trapped in the debris.

- Warning: The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of more rain in the next 24 hours.

- Rehabilitation: The affected people have been kept in temporary camps, where food and medical facilities are being provided.

Incidents of cloudburst are increasing continuously in Uttarakhand, the main reasons for which are climate change and indiscriminate construction. The government needs to make long-term plans to deal with this problem so that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.