Uttarkashi Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods 150 Rescued 11 Army Personnel Missing

A sudden cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on Tuesday night triggered flash floods, leading to the rescue of at least 150 individuals, while 11 Indian Army personnel have been reported missing, according to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The incident occurred in the Lambagad area of Uttarkashi, following intense rainfall that caused a nearby stream to overflow, submerging roads and sweeping away temporary camps, including those occupied by Army units engaged in road construction.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with teams from NDRF, SDRF, Army, and local police deployed to the affected area. Rescue efforts are being hampered by debris and difficult terrain, but authorities remain hopeful of locating the missing personnel.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued alerts for heavy rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand, which is currently experiencing an active monsoon. Several parts of the state have reported landslides, blocked roads, and overflowing rivers, increasing the risk of further damage.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reviewed the situation and instructed all relevant departments to stay on high alert. Emergency shelters have been arranged for displaced families, and food supplies are being distributed in affected villages.

This is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have struck the hill state in recent years, raising fresh concerns about the impact of climate change and the need for more resilient infrastructure in ecologically sensitive regions.