A deadly cloudburst hit Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district in the afternoon, bringing down a deluge of water and mud that ravaged a village, leaving at least four dead.
Multiple officials are concerned that many others are buried under the debris after the unexpected flood and landslide.
The cloudburst, which took place in Dharali village, created panic. Gory visuals from the site reveal a strong water rush striking houses following the cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river.
In one horrific video, locals are heard screaming as they run away from the incoming flood and a man tries to save himself from the dense mud.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to gauge the crisis. He guaranteed that "all possible efforts are being made to help people." Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to the Chief Minister to lend support.
Rescue efforts are ongoing with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams present at the site of the collapse. The rescue workers are working to find and help those buried under the rubble.
Chief Minister Dhami assured that the district administration, Army units, NDRF, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are all actively involved in evacuation and relief operations. "The administration is alert and affected citizens are being given every assistance," he informed.
The landslide occurred at around 1:45 p.m. in Dharali, the Indian Army said. "A huge mudslide hit Dharali village in the KheerGad region of Harsil, causing sudden flow of water and debris through the village," the Army's Central Command reported on X.
Soldiers have already reached the site and begun rescue operations. "Level of damage is being determined and more updates will be provided as relief operations continue. The Army remains steadfast in standing by our citizens in this act of nature," the statement continued.
While this, Uttarkashi police have released photos depicting the magnitude of the devastation and asked citizens to keep away from rivers and weak points. "Considering this incident, all should keep a safe distance from the river. Make sure you, children, and animals are kept safely away from the river," they warned.
The area has been battling with incessant monsoon rains this year. Most rivers, including Haridwar's Ganga, are flowing above the danger mark. Two lives were lost this week in rain-related accidents in Rudraprayag district, where a landslide covered two shops under boulders and debris.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has put out a 'red' alert for the day, indicating very heavy rain in the state's hilly areas. A 'yellow' warning for further heavy rain during the week is still active.
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