A cloudburst on Sunday night caused considerable damage without loss to human life in many villages in the Urgam Valley in Joshimath block. With homes damaged, agricultural land destroyed and connecting roads blocked, the affected villagers have taken shelter in school buildings.
The cloudburst in Urgam Valley damaged many homes in Devgram, Bansa, Gira and Bharki villages. These dwellings are now full of water and debris, forcing the residents to move to safer locations. Many cattle were reported to have been killed as the cowsheds were destroyed following the clourburst. Apart from homes, the agricultural land has also been destroyed in this valley which is famous for the Rajma (kidney bean) cultivated here.
Damage to farmland is expected to have a detrimental effect on the local economy by affecting the earnings of villagers. Following the devastation on Sunday night the weather cleared a bit on Monday after which the villagers took shelter at safer locations.The villagers stated that the suspension bridge which leads to the area is also under threat which is posing major hardships in the movement of people.
They further stated that with the mountain streams and water falls in spate, the danger has not subsided yet. A team from the district administration left for the affected area on Monday to assess the damage wreaked in the valley. Some Panchayat representatives have complained about the failure to provide rations in villages that have lostroad links.