Following a devastating cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarakhand, the search for 11 missing laborers from Bihar continues, while their families grapple with grief and prepare for the worst. The incident on August 5th, caused by torrential rain, triggered a massive landslide that has left a trail of destruction. Rescue efforts involving the army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities are ongoing, but the fate of the missing remains uncertain.
The calamity unfolded in Dharali village, Uttarkashi district, when a cloudburst unleashed a torrent of water and debris, burying the village. Among the victims were 11 laborers from West Champaran, Bihar. Despite extensive search efforts over five days, there has been no sign of the missing individuals. The families are in a state of deep sorrow, particularly those from Mangalhiya village in the Sarghatiya Panchayat, where eight laborers are missing.
Three additional laborers from Ghogha Panchayat are also among the missing. Their families believe the missing are likely dead, a belief that has not been confirmed by authorities. The missing also include three members of one family: Devraj Sharma and his sons, Anil Kumar and Sushil Kumar.
The contractor informed the families that the laborers are presumed dead due to the depth of the debris, leading families to perform symbolic funeral rites on Sunday and initiate mourning rituals. Local villagers have also criticized the district administration for not visiting the affected families. However, local MLA Virendra Gupta has visited the families, offering condolences and promising to seek compensation from the government.