A cloudburst triggered flooding that killed at least four in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand on Tuesday

Massive flash floods triggered by an intense cloudburst have destroyed a village and claimed at least four lives in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, the local authorities said on Tuesday.

Flood water came gushing down the Himalayan slopes and washed away buildings in the village of Dharali, located 8,600 feet above sea level. Several people are still missing, according to the latest reports.

The Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force, and National Disaster Response Force have deployed relief teams to the affected areas.

To enhance relief efforts, additional army personnel have been dispatched, equipped with tracker dogs, drones, logistical support, and earthmoving equipment.

Arrangements are also being made with the Indian Air Force to utilize helicopters for delivering essential supplies, medicine, and evacuating stranded residents who have been relocated to higher ground as water levels continue to rise due to persistent rainfall.

During rescue operations, nine soldiers went missing, an army official told India Today.

Dharali is the main stopover on the way to the Hindu pilgrimage town of Gangotri, one of the sources of the Ganges. The region is considered sacred to Hindus, who visit four mountain shrines known as the Char Dham.

In response to the crisis, the state authorities reported that 130 stranded individuals were relocated to safer areas and directed that food, shelter, and medical assistance be provided.

Uttarakhand continues to reel under intense rainfall, with several districts witnessing relentless downpours since late Tuesday night. According to the India Meteorological Department, a red alert has been issued for the state, effective until August 10, forecasting heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods.

The Himalayan state has been hit by several disasters recently. In June, a helicopter crash resulted in the death of seven people, including a two-year-old - the fifth such accident in the state since April.

(RT.com)