Cloudburst in Chamoli’s Nandanagar Triggers Midnight Havoc

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A midnight cloudburst in Chamoli’s Nandanagar buried homes under debris, leaving at least five people missing and dozens displaced; SDRF and NDRF teams rush to the site as Uttarakhand reels from a series of extreme rainfall events.

By TRH State Desk

Chamoli (Uttarakhand), September 18, 2025 — A devastating cloudburst struck Nandanagar in Chamoli district late Wednesday night, triggering flash floods and debris flow that buried homes and swept through villages. District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari told local media that at least five to seven people are missing, while two have been rescued safely.

The worst damage has been reported from Kuntri Lagafali ward, where six houses were completely destroyed under rubble. Additional damage has been reported from villages including Fali Kuntari, Senti Kuntari, Bhainswada, Dhurma, and Sera, where several homes and shops were either damaged or washed away.

“Rescue operations are underway with SDRF and NDRF teams deployed from Nandprayag and Gauchar. Relief centers have been identified, and locals are being shifted for safety,” Tiwari told reporters. JCB machines have been pressed into service to clear blocked roads.

The cloudburst occurred around 1 a.m., sending panic among residents as water levels in the Moksh river surged. Medical teams and ambulances have been dispatched to the affected zone, officials said.

Recent Cloudburst Disasters in Uttarakhand

This is the latest in a string of extreme rainfall events battering the Himalayan state. Just weeks earlier, heavy cloudbursts were reported in Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh, damaging roads, bridges, and agricultural land. Uttarakhand, prone to flash floods and landslides during monsoon, has seen a worrying rise in cloudburst incidents in recent years, attributed by experts to climate change-driven weather extremes.

While rescue work continues in Nandanagar, officials warn that more rain is expected, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert.

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