Fear Grips Hill Residents as Leaders Mourn Uttarkashi Cloudburst Tragedy

New Delhi – The recent cloudburst in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand has sparked grief and concern across the political spectrum, with leaders expressing sorrow and highlighting the fragile nature of the Himalayan region in the face of extreme weather events.

BJP MP and actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut expressed her deep distress, stating, “This incident has left everyone heartbroken. People living in the hills are now overcome with fear due to such natural disasters.”

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also conveyed his condolences, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” He said, “Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), and the people who live there—facing these harsh conditions—are divine in their own right. This cloudburst, like the earlier helicopter crash, landslides, and land subsidence events, carries a deeply saddening message.”

Union Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel extended his sympathies to the affected families. “It’s a tragic incident. May the souls of those who lost their lives find peace, and may their families find the strength to endure this immense loss. Relief operations are in full swing, with both central and state agencies on the ground,” he said.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla called for long-term solutions to repeated natural calamities in the region. “Both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face these disasters every year. We need lasting resolutions to these recurring issues,” he urged.

The cloudburst hit the Dharali area near Harsil on Tuesday, sweeping away parts of the village and leaving several residents missing. The Kheer Ganga river overflowed, causing severe damage to the Dharali market and surrounding areas.

Uttarakhand Police confirmed that multiple agencies — including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, Fire Department, and local police — are actively engaged in relief and rescue missions. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock.

On Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in Uttarkashi. He directed officials to remain on high alert and monitor the situation round-the-clock after inspecting the swelling river and nearby settlements.

“In Dharali, Uttarkashi, government agencies, departments, and the Army are working in close coordination to carry out rescue and relief operations. Over 130 people were rescued last night. Blocked routes are being cleared, and all necessary aid is being extended to those affected,” CM Dhami shared in a post on X.

With inputs from IANS