Chamoli , August - A cloudburst struck Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district in the early hours of Saturday, triggering landslides and sending debris crashing into several houses. Authorities confirmed that a woman was trapped under the rubble, while a man has gone missing following the incident.

Rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police, were rushed to the site to carry out relief operations. Efforts are underway to trace the missing person and safely evacuate those at risk in vulnerable areas. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear debris and restore blocked roads.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the state, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and “very intense” rainfall across multiple districts. Officials said the saturated hillsides, combined with ongoing monsoon showers, have increased the threat of flash floods and further landslides.

Chamoli, located in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand, has been prone to extreme weather events in recent years. In 2021, the district witnessed a devastating glacial burst that caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Authorities have urged residents living in disaster-prone zones to remain cautious and follow safety advisories.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government is closely monitoring the situation and assured that all possible assistance is being extended to affected families. Relief camps have also been set up for temporary shelter.

The incident adds to growing concerns about the impact of climate change on fragile Himalayan ecosystems, where heavy rains and cloudbursts are becoming increasingly frequent.