Uttarkashi, August 5 (H.S.): A devastating cloudburst in Dharali village, located in the Harsil region of Uttarkashi district, triggered a sudden and destructive flood in the Kheer Ganga river on Tuesday. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, with over 20 hotels and homestays reported damaged or washed away.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered immediate initiation of relief and rescue operations. Teams from the Army, SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related agencies are actively engaged at the site. Senior district officials have also headed towards the affected area.

According to information received, Dharali village is located approximately 70 kilometers from the district headquarters and just 20 kilometers before the Gangotri Dham. Following the cloudburst, a destructive surge of water rushed through the Kheer Ganga river. Residents of Mukhwa village, located across the river, noticed the impending disaster and raised alarm by shouting to warn others. Reports suggest that 20 to 25 hotels and homestays in the area have been destroyed. Local sources indicate that 10 to 12 people might be trapped under the debris. According to local resident Rajesh Panwar, the cloudburst occurred somewhere in the upper catchment area of the Kheer Ganga, which led to the devastating flood. Panic has gripped the local population in the aftermath of the disaster.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed sorrow and prayed for the safety of everyone affected. He instructed officials to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing. The Army, SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are working tirelessly on-site. The Chief Minister is in constant touch with senior officials and is receiving regular updates on the situation. Upon learning of the incident, District Magistrate Prashant Arya and Superintendent of Police Sarita Dobal also departed for the location. More detailed information is awaited.

According to the Army, a massive landslide occurred during the day in the Dharali area near Harsil, resulting in a sudden rush of water and debris toward inhabited areas. Soldiers from the Ibex Brigade have reached the affected site to assess the situation and carry out rescue operations. Damage assessment is underway, and further information will be released once the relief mission progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar