Fri Aug 29 03:13:08 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Cloudbursts Trap Families, Trigger Rescue Operations in Uttarakhand**
**Rudraprayag/Chamoli, Uttarakhand -** A fresh wave of cloudbursts struck the Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand on Thursday night, trapping families under debris and causing several injuries. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the incident on social media, stating that debris flow had blocked areas, leaving people stranded. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway.
This incident follows a similar cloudburst in Chamoli district last week, which caused widespread damage, burying homes, shops, and vehicles in debris. The Tharali market area and tehsil complex were particularly affected.
These events are part of a larger pattern of extreme weather affecting the region. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have been grappling with heavy and persistent rainfall, leading to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides this season.
In response to the widespread flooding in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has ordered the closure of all schools in the Jammu region until August 30th. Himachal Pradesh is also facing significant infrastructure damage, with hundreds of roads blocked and widespread disruption to electricity and water supply.
The Indian Army has launched extensive humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, deploying 12 helicopters to evacuate stranded people and provide medical aid and food across Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. Rescue and relief operations also continue for thousands of pilgrims stranded earlier this week in Chamba district for the Manimahesh Yatra.
First Piper 