People Missing in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli District: Introduction
In a devastating natural disaster, ten individuals have gone missing following massive landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the villages of Kuntri Lagafali and Dhurma in Nandanagar, Chamoli district. Authorities have confirmed the rescue of two women and one child, who were injured and promptly sent for medical treatment.
Incident and Damage Overview
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, around 3 am, when a cloudburst led to widespread destruction. Initial reports indicate that 27 to 30 houses and cowsheds were damaged in the affected areas, including Kuntri Lagafali, Kuntri Laga Sarpani, and Dhurma wards of Nagar Panchayat Nandanagar.
The missing persons from Kuntri Lagafali village include Kunwar Singh (42), his wife Kanta Devi (38), their twin sons Vikas and Vishal (10), Narendra Singh (40), Jagdamba Prasad (70), his wife Bhaga Devi (65), and Deveshwari Devi (65). From Dhurma village, Guman Singh (75) and Mamta Devi (38) are reported missing.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed to the site. Local police, administration, and District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) personnel are also assisting in the efforts.
SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi provided details on the situation: “At around 3 am, the Chamoli District Control Room received information about a cloudburst incident in Kuntri Lagafali, Kuntri Laga Sarpani, and Dhurma wards of Nagar Panchayat Nandanagar. As per initial reports, 27 to 30 houses and cowsheds have been damaged.”
He added, “Local police, administration, and DDRF teams are also present at the site. According to preliminary inputs, around 10 people are feared trapped under the debris, while 2 women and 1 child have been rescued in an injured condition and sent for treatment.”
Yaduvanshi highlighted the challenges faced by rescue teams: “Acting immediately on the information, an SDRF team led by Sub-Inspector Jagmohan from the Gauchar post was dispatched to the site. Due to blocked routes and continuous heavy rainfall, the team faced difficulties but managed to reach the spot after trekking nearly 8km on foot.”
Regional Context and Ongoing Efforts
Uttarakhand, known for its hilly terrain, is prone to landslides during the monsoon season, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts. This event underscores the vulnerability of remote villages in the region to such calamities. Authorities are urging residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.
Rescue operations continue as teams work tirelessly to locate the missing individuals amid ongoing adverse weather conditions. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
