Chamoli (Uttarakhand), August 23 — A cloudburst struck Chamoli district in the early hours of Saturday, sending debris into several houses and causing damage in the affected areas. Local authorities have begun rescue and relief operations, though the extent of losses is still being assessed.

According to officials, heavy rainfall led to the sudden cloudburst, which caused mud, stones, and water to rush into residential zones. Emergency teams were deployed to assist families and clear blocked routes. No confirmed casualty figures have been released so far.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and “very intense” rain across multiple districts. The alert warns of possible landslides, flash floods, and road disruptions, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid vulnerable areas.

Chamoli district, located in the Himalayan region, is prone to such extreme weather events, especially during the monsoon season. In recent years, cloudbursts and flash floods have led to significant damage in Uttarakhand, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Officials said constant monitoring of rivers and streams is underway, and disaster response teams have been placed on high alert. The state government has appealed to people to follow advisories and cooperate with local authorities during rescue and relief work.

The IMD’s forecast suggests that heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the coming days, keeping the risk of further incidents high in hilly districts such as Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh.