A cloudburst led to a significant rescue operation in northern India’s Uttarakhand where the State Disaster response force (SDRF) promptly arrived at the scene and successfully rescued animals trapped in the debris.


The incident took place near Gadhmani Kumrada of Uttarkashi district in the Garhwal region on May 22.


Visuals showed in the dark of night, following a cloudburst, the SDRF team was working to rescue animals trapped in the debris. Amidst the darkness, they were using torches to guide their efforts. One scene showed rescuers carefully extracting a cow from the rubble, illuminated only by the beams of their flashlights, as they diligently worked to ensure the animal's safety.


Speaking to Newslions, Vinit Vaibhav, SDRF Constable, Uttarakhand said, upon receiving reports of a cloudburst, the SDRF team arrived at the scene and safely rescued animals trapped in the debris. The rescue operation continued from 8 PM to 1 AM.


Heavy rainfall in Bironkhal of Pauri district, Uttarakhand, has caused significant damage. Upon receiving the information, District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan reached the District Disaster Operation Center.The villages of Sukhai and Farsadi have been reported as affected. On State Highway 32, a 30-meter section at kilometer 110 has been washed out. Additionally, debris has blocked the road at three to four locations between kilometers 9 and 11.


District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan has instructed Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nupur Verma to immediately proceed to the affected area. He has also directed revenue department officials to arrange temporary shelters in primary schools or panchayat houses in the affected villages of Sukhai and Farsadi as needed. Instructions have been given to dispatch food packets, drinking water, and a medical team. To monitor the situation, the District Magistrate has ordered the immediate establishment of an operational control room in Bironkhal tehsil.


From the district headquarters, disaster rescue vehicles equipped with dragon lights, remote area lights, rescue equipment, food packets, and water bottles have been dispatched. Quick action has been taken to remove debris from the obstructed motorways on the District Magistrate's orders. In the revenue village Sukhai of the R.U.N.I. region Bangarsyu, 20 houses have been inundated with water due to the heavy rain, and some cattle sheds have also been flooded. There have been no reports of casualties so far.