A devastating cloudburst struck the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Saturday evening, leaving at least nine workers missing and causing severe destruction in the Ojri Dabarkot area along the Yamunotri highway. Two bodies have been recovered, and intensive rescue efforts are ongoing.
The incident occurred at Paligad near Ojri Dabarkot, where road construction was underway. According to officials, around 8 to 9 laborers, who were either working on the site or residing there in temporary shelters, were swept away by a sudden deluge following the cloudburst.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the tragedy, stating, “As soon as we received information, teams from the administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were dispatched to the site. Rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing.”
Two bodies were recovered late Saturday night, approximately 18 kilometers away near the Tiladhi Shaheed Smarak, indicating the force of the water flow triggered by the cloudburst. Efforts to locate the remaining missing workers continue amid difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
The region has been experiencing relentless rainfall for the past several days, severely affecting daily life. This latest disaster has intensified fears among residents. In the aftermath of the cloudburst, the Yamuna river's water level has risen significantly, and the road near Ojri has been completely submerged.
Authorities have issued alerts to residents in surrounding areas, warning them to stay vigilant and avoid riverbanks and flood-prone zones.
With more rain forecasted in the coming days, the administration remains on high alert to prevent further loss of life and property.