Is God Watching Over Us? CM Dhami Monitors Uttarkashi Cloudburst

Uttarkashi, June 29 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced on Sunday that he is closely overseeing the comprehensive rescue and relief efforts following the disappearance of eight to nine workers due to a cloudburst in Baligarh along the Barkot-Yamunotri route in the Uttarkashi district.

The cloudburst struck early Sunday morning, resulting in the washing away of a workers' campsite near a hotel under construction and causing extensive damage in the vicinity.

In a post on social media platform X, CM Dhami stated, "Reports indicate that some laborers are unaccounted for. Rescue teams, including the SDRF, NDRF, and other local agencies, have arrived at the scene and are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. I remain in constant communication with the relevant authorities regarding this situation. I pray to God for the safety of all involved."

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that the administration received alerts early in the morning about the incident occurring on the Yamunotri highway, roughly four kilometers from Palighat, in a place known as Silai.

"A hotel is being built near Silai, and a new landslide zone has formed nearby, where such incidents had never occurred before—it was deemed safe," he explained.

"As debris cascaded near the hotel, the shelter for laborers was swept away. Out of 19 workers present, eight or nine remain unaccounted for," Arya noted.

Rescue efforts are being carried out by teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and local law enforcement. Teams from the Revenue and Public Works Department (PWD) have also reached the site to support rescue and road clearance efforts.

Arya further clarified, "The road has not been entirely washed away, but it is impeded by debris. It is expected to take approximately two hours to clear the blocked section. However, a 10-meter stretch that has been washed out will require more time for full restoration."

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand for Sunday and Monday, cautioning residents about extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in various isolated areas.

This cloudburst is part of a broader weather crisis affecting the hill state, with ongoing heavy rainfall causing significant disruptions across multiple districts.

Roads on the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani have been blocked.

In Rudraprayag district, the Sonprayag–Munkatiya road—a vital route for Kedarnath pilgrims—has been closed due to landslides and debris. Authorities have temporarily suspended pilgrim movement at Sonprayag and Gaurikund to ensure safety.

Multiple sections of the Yamunotri National Highway are blocked near Silai Band, and officials from NH Barkot have been notified about the situation.

Accumulation of debris in a drainage area near Syanachatti has obstructed the flow of the Yamuna River, posing significant risks to hotels located in lower-lying regions.

Heavy rainfall continues to impact Chamoli, Pauri, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and nearby districts, with numerous link roads rendered impassable due to landslides. As river levels rise, the administration has issued warnings urging residents near riverbanks to stay alert and take requisite precautions.