THARALI POLICE ISSUE URGENT WARNINGS AMID YELLOW ALERT FOR CHAMOLI DISTRICT

CHAMOLI, Uttarakhand, India – August 25, 2025:Following a yellow alert for heavy rain from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Tharali Police have urgently warned residents in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. This alert follows recent natural disasters, including a cloudburst in Tharali that caused sizable damage, one confirmed death, and one missing person. Police teams are making announcements and going door-to-door, urging residents to be careful and move to safer places as the region braces for more bad weather.

Immediate Police Action and Community Outreach

Following the IMD’s forecast, Tharali Police are acting fast to prevent more injuries and damage. They’re using public address systems to warn those in risky areas, like those near rivers, about possible flash floods and landslides. This direct approach makes sure everyone in the remote, hilly area gets the message.

The police, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local groups, are checking high-risk areas. Their main goal is to move people from low areas and unstable slopes to relief camps and safe buildings. This quick response is key to the state’s disaster plan.

The Recent Cloudburst and Its Aftermath

This warning comes after a cloudburst hit late on Friday, August 22. It caused a flash flood, with waters and debris from the Toonri Gadera stream sweeping through Tharali. The flood caused destruction, burying homes, shops, and vehicles.

The deceased is Kavita, age 20, killed when debris hit her home in Sangwada. Her body was found in the rubble. Ganga Dutt Joshi, an older man, is missing and feared swept away while trying to save his animals.

Damage and Disruption to Infrastructure

The situation has hit the region’s infrastructure hard. Roads, like Tharali-Gwaldam and Tharali-Sagwada, are blocked by landslides and debris, slowing rescue work because heavy equipment is needed to clear them.

Basic services are down, too. Fourteen drinking water systems were damaged in Chapda and Tharali. Power is out in 30 villages in Dewal and 33 in Tharali, but crews are working to restore things.

Official Response and Relief Measures

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited to see the damage and meet with those affected. He promised support and praised the district’s quick response. He announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and those whose homes were destroyed.

Relief camps are open at the Government Polytechnic College and Shaheed Bhavani Dutt Inter College in Chepado. Over 150 people are there, getting food, water, and medical help. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, and the Army are helping with search and rescue.

Historical Context of Monsoon-Related Disasters

Chamoli and Uttarakhand are prone to monsoon disasters because of the mountains and fragile environment. Past events, like the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy and the 2021 Chamoli disaster, show the risks. The 2021 flood, from a rock and ice avalanche, left over 200 dead or missing and ruined two hydropower projects.

This event, though smaller, shows the constant threat from unpredictable weather. The IMD often issues yellow and orange alerts for heavy rain in areas like Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli, stressing the need for public warnings and readiness.

Long-Term Implications and Rehabilitation Efforts

The main focus is still on search and rescue, giving aid, and clearing roads. But the long-term problem is helping displaced families and fixing damaged infrastructure. The government wants officials to give not just short-term help but also make plans for long-term housing for those who lost their homes.

This also raises the issue of development projects in the fragile Himalayas. Experts warn that more construction, roads, and dams can worsen the risk of landslides and floods, especially during heavy monsoons. The state wants development but is also trying to improve disaster readiness.

Future Outlook and Continued Vigilance

Because the IMD’s yellow alert is still on, local authorities are staying alert. They’re asking people to stay informed, avoid travel, and help rescue teams. The ongoing monsoon season means the risk of cloudbursts, landslides, and floods remains.

Tharali police have stated the safety of residents is the priority. The current situation in Chamoli is a reminder of how fragile life is in the mountains and how key communication and quick response are to lessen the effects of natural disasters.

Reported by: Herohind News Desk