Yamuna Valley in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district was hit by a cloudburst on Saturday. The cloudburst caused heavy damage in the Naugaon area where debris from a flooded stream buried a residential house and muddy waters entered over half a dozen homes in low-lying areas.

The cloudburst occurred at Syori Phal Patti, sending sludge and floodwaters downhill. According to the authorities, several people had vacated their homes anticipating danger from heavy rainfall. A mixer machine and two-wheelers were washed off by the swollen Devalsari stream and a car was buried under debris, ANI reported.

ALSO READ

Several videos on the internet show the damage done in parts affected by the cloudburst. At one location, the debris damaged a residential house. At the time, occupants of the house were not inside and the place was locked.

Rescue ops underway

The district administration, along with state and national disaster response forces, launched immediate rescue and relief operations. The State Disaster Response Force evacuated affected residents to secure locations, the report stated. According to local authorities, rescue operations are still underway in some affected parts.

A mudslide in the Naugaon market area forced residents to flee to safer places. The Delhi-Yamunotri highway was also closed due to the blockage.

CM Dhami orders rescue

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern and ordered a swift response. In a Facebook post, he wrote, “Upon learning about the damage, I instructed the district administration to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war-footing. Immediate evacuation and assistance must be ensured without delay. I pray for everyone’s safety.”