A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi has left a trail of destruction, prompting Congress leaders to extend their condolences and call for immediate action. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, injuries, and destroyed homes in Dharali. He urged the central and state governments to intensify relief efforts and deploy additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams if necessary.
“The devastation is heartbreaking,” Kharge wrote on X. “Many lives have been lost, and several are missing. Homes have been wiped out. My deepest condolences to the affected families, and I pray for the safe return of those still unaccounted for.”
Kharge emphasized the need for swift rescue operations. “I appeal to the government to expedite relief efforts and mobilize more NDRF teams if required.”
Rahul Gandhi, another senior Congress leader, echoed these sentiments. He described the situation as “extremely sad and concerning” and offered condolences to grieving families. Gandhi also called on Congress workers to assist the administration in relief operations.
“The administration must act quickly,” Gandhi stated. “I urge our party members to support rescue efforts and help those in need.”
The Indian government has already stepped in. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, directing the deployment of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and NDRF teams. A 16-member ITBP unit is already on-site, with another team en route from Matli.
NDRF has dispatched three teams from Manera, Batkot, and Dehradun, with two more on standby at Shashtradhar airstrip. Meanwhile, authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister RK Sudhanshu confirmed that District Magistrate and SP officials are investigating the scene. “There’s likely significant damage,” Sudhanshu said. “Once we assess the situation, we’ll take appropriate action.”
Adding to the crisis, a second cloudburst hit Sukhi Top near Dharali. While no casualties or property damage have been confirmed yet, the situation remains tense. As rescue teams scramble to respond, the nation watches and waits for updates on this unfolding tragedy.