Is Fear Gripping the Hills? Leaders Mourn Uttarkashi Cloudburst

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uttarkashi has suffered significant damage due to a cloudburst.
- Political leaders are expressing deep concern and grief over the incident.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, with multiple agencies involved.
- There is a call for long-term solutions to mitigate future disasters.
- Residents are advised to prioritize their safety during such events.
New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) The catastrophic cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district has unleashed a profound sense of sorrow and apprehension among political leaders, who are emphasizing the tragic reality of the region's susceptibility to severe natural disasters. BJP MP and actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut expressed her heartfelt distress, stating, “This incident has left everyone profoundly saddened. The residents of the hills are filled with fear in the aftermath of such natural calamities.”
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also shared his condolences, labeling the situation as heartbreaking. “This is truly unfortunate news. Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi, and the individuals who reside there, enduring such harsh conditions, are nothing short of divine... This cloudburst, like previous incidents involving helicopter crashes, landslides, and ground subsidence, carries a very sorrowful message.”
Union Minister of State, S.P. Singh Baghel, expressed his sympathies to the families affected by the disaster. “This is a tragic event. May God grant eternal peace to the souls lost and provide strength to their families during this overwhelming sorrow. Relief efforts are currently active, with both central and state agencies on the ground.”
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla called for long-term solutions to the recurring natural calamities. “The issues affecting both Himachal and Uttarakhand need to be addressed. Such events are becoming an annual occurrence,” he commented.
On Tuesday, a sudden cloudburst hit the Dharali area near Harsil, washing away sections of the village and leaving numerous residents unaccounted for.
A sudden surge in the Kheer Ganga river caused extensive destruction in the Dharali market area.
The Uttarakhand Police confirmed that several disaster relief teams, including the SDRF, Army, Fire Department, and local police, are engaged in rescue and relief operations. Residents have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and to safeguard their children and livestock.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-affected region in Uttarkashi on Wednesday and directed officials to maintain a state of 24-hour readiness following the inspection of rising water levels in the river and surrounding areas.
“In Dharali, Uttarkashi, all government agencies, departments, and the Army are cooperating in relief and rescue operations. Last night, over 130 individuals were rescued. Efforts are underway to reopen blocked routes, and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” CM Dhami shared in a post on X.