At least nine labourers are feared missing after a cloudburst triggered heavy rainfall and flash flooding along the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district early Sunday morning, police said. The incident occurred near Silai Bend in the Barkot area, a key point on the route to the revered Yamunotri temple.
According to the Disaster Control Room, the workers—reportedly of Nepali origin—were engaged in road construction and had set up temporary tents at the site. Barkot police station in-charge Deepak Kathait said the cloudburst was reported around midnight, after which rescue teams rushed to the affected zone, reported Business Standard.
The labourers were residing in makeshift tents near the construction site and are feared to have been swept away by the heavy downpour. As of now, eight to nine individuals remain unaccounted for, and an intensive search and rescue operation is underway.
The Yamunotri highway has been blocked at multiple points, particularly near Silai Bend, disrupting vehicular movement and pilgrimage routes. Meanwhile, heavy rains have also caused significant damage to agricultural land in Kuthnaur village. Local officials reported that fields in the area are buried under debris, and the road near Ojri has suffered complete damage.
The Kupda Kunshala Trikhili motor bridge in Syanachatti is reported to be at risk due to the rising water levels of the Yamuna River. Authorities have issued advisories urging people in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, especially as Uttarakhand continues to receive intense rainfall.
Cloudbursts are not uncommon in the hill state during the monsoon season and often result in flash floods and landslides, posing recurring challenges to infrastructure and human safety. Local administration and SDRF teams remain on high alert across the region.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by our editors.
Image Via Freepik
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