Heavy rains batter several states across India

CHAMOLI FLOOD FURY: woman dead, one missing as rain drain overflows in Tharali

- MPOST BUREAU

NEW DELHI: At least eight people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries in weather-related incidents during the past 24 hours, as relentless rains battered several states including Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and even hilly regions like Chamoli in Uttarakhand. Officials across different states reported casualties caused by house collapses, flash floods, electrocution, and landslides as torrential downpours disrupted life and triggered rescue operations.

In Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, a young woman was killed and another person went missing in Tharali town after a rain drain known as Tunri Gadhera overflowed around 1 am on Saturday. The sudden flooding sent debris into residential areas, markets, and government buildings, causing significant damage.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, muck and stones carried by the rain drain filled houses in Sagwara village, parts of Chepdon Bazaar, Kotdeep Bazaar, and the tehsil complex before merging into the Pindar river. The body of the woman, who was buried under debris in her home in Sagwara, was later recovered.

In Chepdon market, one person remains missing as search efforts continue.

Several vehicles were buried, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's residence was also damaged. "The Karnaprayag-Gwaldam National Highway connecting Tharali has been closed, while the Tharali-Sagwara Motorway and Dungri Motorway are also blocked," officials at the Chamoli District Disaster Management Centre said.