Chamoli Cloudburst: Two Rescued, Several Feared Trapped In Landslide-Hit Villages

Rescue teams in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district saved two people trapped under debris after heavy rains and landslides devastated the Nandanagar area. Several others remain feared trapped as relief operations continue.

Local residents rescued a woman who had been trapped in the rubble of her house. In another case, teams pulled out a man who had remained buried under debris for nearly 16 hours.

Officials provided both survivors with immediate first aid before shifting them to safer locations.

Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the district administration launched massive rescue operations. Their coordinated efforts helped save lives despite the challenging conditions.

Chamoli Cloudburst: Rescue Operation Underway

Preliminary reports revealed that over 30 houses were either flattened or severely damaged in Kuntari Lagafali, Senti Lagafali, Dhurma, and Fali Lagafali villages. These villages lie in Chamoli’s Nandanagar block, about 260 km from Dehradun and 50 km from Gopeshwar.

The region, already vulnerable due to land subsidence, has seen its condition worsen after the latest cloudburst.

Authorities reported that 14 people are feared trapped and 20 others are injured. Teams continue round-the-clock rescue efforts.

The disaster struck on September 18, when a cloudburst over Binsar hill at around 2 AM triggered flash floods and landslides.

• Villages Kuntari, Lagafali and Dhurma were the worst-hit.
• Ten people remain missing, including eight from Kuntari Lagafali—among them a family of four: Kunwar Singh (42), Kanta Devi (38), and their sons Vikas and Vishal (10 each).
• Others missing include Deveshwari Devi (65), Bhaga Devi (65), Jagdamba Prasad (70), Narendra Singh (40), Guman Singh (75), and Mamta Devi (38).

CM Dhami Monitors Relief Efforts

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern and assured people that the government is closely monitoring the crisis.

“Local administration, SDRF, and police teams reached the spot immediately and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I pray to God for the safety of all,” he posted on social media.

Authorities deployed JCB machines and additional equipment to clear debris and speed up the rescue mission. Search and rescue operations continue in the flood-hit villages.

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