Tragic Rains in Uttarakhand: 12 Dead, Dozens Injured as Torrential Downpour Wreaks Havoc

Heavy overnight rains in Uttarakhand resulted in 12 fatalities and six injuries, with numerous house collapses and severe flooding. The disaster also saw rivers rising dangerously and various districts scrambling for relief. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the Chief Minister emphasizes the priority of safety for residents and pilgrims.

Heavy overnight rains in Uttarakhand have led to a tragic loss of 12 lives, including members of a single family, and six injuries, triggering multiple house collapses, severe flooding, and a rise in local river levels, according to officials on Thursday.

While no new rains were reported until Thursday afternoon, the disaster continued to unfold with several deaths reported across Haridwar, Tehri, Dehradun, and Chamoli districts. Two individuals, one each in Haldwani and Chamoli, remain missing, said the Disaster Control Room. Waters from an overflowing seasonal canal swept away two people near Dehradun's Ordnance Factory, whose bodies have been identified.

Affected regions witnessed rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Beyond local damages, around 450 pilgrims bound for Kedarnath were stranded, and relief efforts, including helicopter rescues, are ongoing. Additionally, fresh registrations for the Chardham yatra are temporarily halted, with Chief Minister Dhami urging travelers to monitor weather updates before proceeding.

(With inputs from agencies.)