Another cloudburst in Uttarakhand: One trapped, another missing in Chamoli

Another cloudburst is reported in Uttarakhand, in Tharali, Chamoli district, leading to flash floods and landslides in the early hours on Saturday. Several houses and vehicles are buried under the debris, with one woman trapped, and another man missing. 

As reported by the officials, a 20-year-old woman named Kavita is trapped under the debris, and a man identified as Joshi is missing. Rescue teams led by NDRF and SDRF have been deployed in the region. 

Chamoli ADM Vivek Prakash told ANI, "The road has been blocked due to the flash floods, and people are facing a lot of problems. Relief camps have been set up, and the district magistrate is on site." 

Talking about the cloudburst incident earlier, Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said, "Last night in Tharali, Chamoli, around 1-1:30 am, there was excessive rainfall, as a result of which, a lot of sludge flowed down, damaging two houses. The sludge has entered 10-12 houses. In the upper part of Tharali, 10-12 shops have come in contact with sludge. One person has gone missing, and one woman is trapped in the debris. Teams are reaching the site. Chamoli DM was also trying to reach the spot, but since the roads are blocked in many places, he is facing trouble reaching there. Relief teams will be dispatched via helicopters. SDRF and NDRF teams have also been dispatched...The primary health centre in Tharali has been alerted already, and arrangements are being made...Expert teams are also on their way to the village." 

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: There is a possibility of a lot of damage due to the cloud burst in Tharali tehsil of Chamoli last night. A lot of debris has come due to the cloudburst, due to which many houses, including the SDM residence, have been completely damaged: Chamoli DM, Sandeep… pic.twitter.com/3kGNYRSMdG

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2025

IMD issues a warning in Uttarakhand

Following bad weather, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in Uttarakhand. It warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and very "intense rainfall" across Dehradun, Nainital, Tehri, Pauri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Almora. The warning will remain in effect until Saturday afternoon. 

Residents in the state have been advised to remain vigilant and not to travel to heavy rain and landslide-prone areas.