A devastating cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand has triggered severe flash floods, resulting in widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least four people. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the high-altitude village of Dharali, located near the Kheer Ganga river, a key pilgrimage route to Gangotri Dham.
The flash floods swept through Dharali, washing away homes, shops, hotels, and roads. Dramatic visuals from the scene showed torrents of muddy water engulfing buildings and leaving residents scrambling for safety. Eyewitnesses likened the disaster to the 2013 floods and the 2021 Chamoli disaster.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working together. Authorities have rescued at least 130 people from the affected areas. However, initial reports suggest that many people are still missing and feared trapped under debris. According to initial reports, around 40-50 houses have been washed away.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation and has directed officials to ensure swift and coordinated rescue and relief operations. The Chief Minister held a meeting with officials at the State Disaster Operations Center in Dehradun to assess the situation. The Union government has assured the state of all possible assistance in the rescue efforts. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with CM Dhami and took stock of the situation.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have declared a school holiday in multiple districts. Disaster management officials are using loudspeakers and sirens to alert people living in villages near the river, asking them to evacuate their homes for safer locations. Trekking permits in Uttarkashi have also been denied until further notice.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand until August 10, especially in hilly regions, where intense downpours are expected. The current weather in Garhwal Division is light rain, with a 55% chance of precipitation and a temperature of 70°F (21°C).
