Cloudburst Hits Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag; Several Feared Trapped as Rescue Ops Intensify

Uttarakhand was battered by nature’s fury on Friday as a devastating cloudburst struck Rudraprayag’s Basukedar tehsil, leaving destruction in its wake. The tragedy unfolded in Bareth Taljaman, where several people are feared trapped beneath debris as torrential water and mudslides swept through villages. Rescue teams rushed to the spot as locals raised desperate cries for help.

The disaster also crippled connectivity. The Badrinath highway between Srinagar and Rudraprayag was completely submerged after the Alaknanda River swelled beyond danger levels, bringing traffic to a halt. Police blocked vehicles at safe points to prevent further danger. “Traffic has been stopped at safe places. Arrangements are being made to send the pilgrims forward through alternative routes. Police has been deployed for security purposes,” said Pauri SSP Lokeshwar Singh.

Authorities confirmed large-scale damage in Badeth Dungar Tok, where entire patches of land were ripped apart. Rescue operations are underway on a war footing, with the NDRF, SDRF, police, and revenue teams jointly clearing debris and rushing aid to the affected.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is personally monitoring the situation, expressed concern in an emotional message on X. “A distressing report has been received that due to cloudbursts in the Bareth Dungar Tok area under Basukedar tehsil of Rudraprayag district and in the Deval area of Chamoli district, some families have been trapped due to debris flow. Relief and rescue operations are underway at a war footing by the local administration; I am in constant contact with officials, and have issued necessary instructions to ensure effective rescue operations. I pray to Baba Kedar for the safe well-being of all,” he wrote.