Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district has been struck by another cloudburst, resulting in muddy water inundating homes and causing significant disruption. The incident occurred in the Naugaon area of Yamuna Valley, specifically impacting Syori Phal Patti, where overflowing streams swept sludge into low-lying areas.
The cloudburst triggered flash floods and mudslides, causing chaos in Naugaon market as residents fled for safety. Several houses and vehicles have been damaged, with reports indicating that a residential house was buried under debris, and muddy water entered more than half a dozen homes. A mixer machine and some two-wheelers were swept away by the swollen Devalsari stream, and a car was buried under debris. Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported.
The Delhi–Yamunotri highway was closed due to the incident, leading to traffic congestion in the region. District Magistrate Prashant Arya stated that the administration is working to clear the roads and restore normalcy.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with district and state authorities, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), working to evacuate residents to safer areas. Inspector Rajesh Joshi, leading the SDRF team from Barkot, confirmed that locals were being moved to safety. The District Magistrate noted that timely evacuation by residents themselves, anticipating danger due to heavy rains, also prevented casualties.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been briefed on the situation and has directed relief operations to be carried out on a war footing. He has instructed officials to ensure that all possible assistance is provided to those affected by the cloudburst.
Uttarakhand has been prone to cloudbursts and flash floods, especially during the monsoon season. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of these events to climate change and rapid urbanization. In August 2025, a series of cloudbursts in Uttarkashi and other districts caused widespread destruction and fatalities. In one incident in Dharali, several people were feared missing after a cloudburst triggered flash floods. The Indian Army was mobilized to carry out rescue operations, and affected people were provided with medical assistance.
