A flash flood and debris flow in Tharali, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, has resulted in damaged drinking water projects and disrupted power supply, leaving dozens of families displaced. The disaster, which struck on Saturday, August 23, 2025, claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman and left an elderly man missing and feared drowned.

In the wake of the disaster, rescue and restoration efforts are underway on a war-footing, with teams working around the clock to clear debris, repair damaged infrastructure, and identify safe locations for resettlement. Immediate relief assistance of ₹5 lakh [INR 500,000] each has been provided to families who lost houses or relatives.

The flash floods damaged fourteen drinking water schemes in the Chapda and Tharali areas, disrupting the supply of clean water. Power supply has also been disrupted, with 30 villages without electricity in Dewal and 33 villages facing power disruption in Tharali block. Authorities expected to restore power to all affected villages by Sunday evening.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Tharali on Sunday to assess the damage and interact with survivors at the Kulsari camp. He assured them of the government's full support and handed over cheques to affected families. Dhami directed officials to expedite rehabilitation work and ensure seamless relief delivery, emphasizing the state government's solidarity with the victims during this crisis. He also mentioned that relevant departments have been instructed to make long-term arrangements for those rendered homeless.

The Chamoli District Magistrate, Sandeep Tiwari, stated that affected families are being housed safely in relief camps, with provisions for food, lodging, and medical care. Relief camps have been set up at the Government Polytechnic College in Kulsari, the Primary School in Chepro village market, and the Primary School in Upper Bazaar Tharali.

The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the operations and receiving continuous updates. He has instructed all agencies to work at full capacity to ensure immediate relief and safety for the people. Various teams from the district administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, Army, SSB, and ITBP are engaged in clearing debris and assisting the local population. According to preliminary estimates, approximately 10 to 12 houses have been severely damaged by debris, 20 to 25 partially affected by silt and water, and two houses have been completely destroyed.

The India Meteorological Department has issued orange and red alerts for various areas of Uttarakhand, including Chamoli, indicating continued risk in the coming days.