Uttarakhand Cloudburst: Why Was Everyone Whistling In The Viral Video?
Before mobiles or loudspeakers, villagers used loud whistling to warn others of landslides, cloudbursts, or forest fires, a tradition still used today in remote hill regions
When a cloud burst recently struck Uttarkashi, entire villages were wiped out in an instant, and hundreds of people were swept away. Homes and hotels were buried under rubble, a scene that many have witnessed through social media videos.
A notable observation from these videos is that most residents started whistling loudly instead of screaming during the disaster. This behaviour, captured on mobile cameras, highlights a curious pattern. In emergencies, people often whistle rather than scream, using sharp sounds to draw attention quickly.
In many rural areas of Uttarakhand, whistling is more than just a form of entertainment; it is a traditional emergency signal. This practice dates back to times before mobile networks, loudspeakers, or any formal warning systems existed in villages. Loud whistling was the primary method to alert others of dangers like landslides, heavy rain, or forest fires. The purpose was to spread the alert quickly and effectively across a wide area.
The mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand causes voices to echo and travel far. Human screams can often be misinterpreted amidst the chaos, but whistling produces a clear, sharp, and recognisable sound. Villagers believe that the sound of a whistle not only alerts humans but also animals, prompting them to run towards their owners. When a whistle is blown, those nearby understand there's danger and start whistling too, creating a 'sound chain' that can reach distant locations.
😭😭 #Uttrakhand #utterkashi #JossGawin pic.twitter.com/gEEPuNHQJR — Hatwal shubham (@Hatwalshubham15) August 5, 2025
Historical Roots Of Whistling
Local folklore and village elders suggest this whistling tradition is at least 100 years old, particularly prevalent in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. It has been used during events like snowfall, heavy rain, or sightings of animals such as tigers. The whistle's sound would quickly alert the youth, shepherds, and women of the village. Disaster management experts recognise this method as highly effective and suggest that if each village standardises the frequency and situation for whistling, it could serve as an excellent low-cost warning system.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
Delhi records high of 34.8 deg C; AQI satisfactory
Last Updated: New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) Delhi on Wednesday recorded a maximum temperature of 34.8 degrees Celsius, 1.4 notches below the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum temperature was recorded at 26.1 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degree below the normal, the Met office said. The relative humidity at 8.30 am and 5.30 pm was 80 per cent and 70 per cent, respectively, it said. The IMD has forecast generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle for Thursday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to settle around 35 and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively. The air quality was recorded in the 'satisfactory' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 91 at 4 pm on Wednesday, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed. According to CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. PTI SSJ ARI view comments First Published: August 06, 2025, 20:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
Delhi: Yamuna water level nearing warning mark
Agency: Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 19:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Aug 6 (PTI) The Yamuna River in Delhi reached the mark of 204.13 metres at 4 PM at the Old Railway Bridge, just 0.37 metre away from the 204.50 metres warning level, officials informed on Wednesday. According to officials, the increase in level is likely due to rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Haryana and Uttarakhand and higher release of water from the Hathnikund barrage. 'We are constantly monitoring the situation. The reason for the increase in level is mostly due to the high amount of water released from the Hathnikund barrage," an official from the central flood room said. On Wednesday, for the first time this monsoon, water discharge from Haryana's Hathnikund Barrage exceeded the 50,000 cusecs mark, peaking at 61,000 cusecs around 6 AM. Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to officials, the release of water has reduced to 40,000 cusecs at around 4 PM. The Old Iron Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the river's flow and potential flood risks. Water released from the barrage typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi. Even lower discharges from upstream are raising the water level, nearing the warning mark in Delhi. PTI SSM RT (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments News agency-feeds Delhi: Yamuna water level nearing warning mark Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Frances biggest wildfire of summer eclipsed size of Paris, still spreading
Paris, Aug 6 (AP) France's biggest wildfire this summer was spreading quickly Wednesday in a Mediterranean region near the Spanish border after leaving one person dead, authorities said. About 2,000 firefighters and several water bomber aircraft battled the blaze that broke out Tuesday afternoon in the village of Ribaute in the Aude region, a rural, wooded area that is home to wineries. The wildfire remained 'very active" on Wednesday and weather conditions were unfavourable, the local administration said in a statement. One person died in their home, nine others were injured, including seven firefighters, and at least one person was missing, the statement said. The interior ministry said the fire had spread over 13,000 hectares (32,000 acres), an area larger than the French capital. Jacques Piraux, mayor of the village of Jonquières, said all residents have been evacuated. 'It's a scene of sadness and desolation," he told broadcaster BFM TV after he visited Wednesday morning to assess the damage. 'It looks like a lunar landscape, everything is burned. More than half or three-quarters of the village has burned down. It's hellish." Residents and tourists in nearby areas were requested to remain in their homes unless told to evacuate by firefighters. Two campsites were evacuated as a precaution. Last month, a wildfire that reached the southern port of Marseille, France's second-largest city, left around 300 people injured. Southern Europe has seen multiple large fires this summer. Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing at twice the speed of the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.(AP) RD RD view comments First Published: August 06, 2025, 19:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
