Uttarkashi: A devastating cloudburst struck the Baligarh area along the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district in the early hours of Sunday, leaving eight to nine labourers missing and triggering significant damage at a construction site.
The incident occurred around 1:00 AM, impacting an under-construction hotel where 17 workers were reportedly present. Following the cloudburst and subsequent downpour, several labourers were swept away or buried under debris. Authorities have confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing individuals.
District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that personnel from the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the affected area.
“A cloudburst occurred in Baligarh, causing serious damage to a construction site. Eight to nine labourers are currently unaccounted for. Rescue teams are on their way and efforts are ongoing,” Arya stated.
The torrential rain has also wreaked havoc across other parts of Uttarakhand. Landslides and falling debris have blocked the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. In Rudraprayag district, authorities have halted traffic along the Sonprayag–Munkatiya stretch—a key route for Kedarnath pilgrims—due to safety concerns. The road has been completely shut near the Sonprayag shuttle bridge and Munkatiya sliding zone, forcing temporary halts for pilgrims at Sonprayag and Gaurikund.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for June 29 and 30, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across several districts in the state.
Authorities urge residents and tourists to exercise caution and avoid travel to vulnerable areas until conditions stabilize.