Uttarakhand cloudburst: 9 missing at under-construction hotel; rescue operations underway

A tragic turn of events unfolded in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district when a sudden cloudburst struck an under-construction hotel site, leaving at least nine workers missing. The incident took place around 2 am near Paligad-Silai Band in Barkot Tehsil, catching the workers completely off guard in the dead of night.

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As soon as reports of the cloudburst and the missing workers surfaced, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police were dispatched to the site to launch an urgent search and rescue mission. According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, rescue teams are working round the clock to trace the missing labourers, though heavy rain and debris are making the task extremely challenging.

The region has been reeling under intense rainfall for the past few days, which has already caused multiple landslides and road blockages. Authorities fear that the relentless downpour could hamper rescue operations further, increasing the risk for both stranded victims and rescuers alike.

Elsewhere in the state, the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag district has also been shut due to continuous heavy rain and debris flow. This particular route is crucial as it acts as the base for pilgrims heading towards the sacred Kedarnath shrine. The closure has left many pilgrims stranded, with authorities advising caution and urging people to postpone non-essential travel in the region.

Disaster management officials are on high alert, and local administrations have appealed to residents and tourists to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.