A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi's Dharali village, Uttarakhand, has resulted in at least four fatalities and left many missing. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, triggered flash floods and a massive debris slide, sweeping away homes, hotels, and other structures.
The cloudburst took place in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, causing a sudden and intense surge of water that devastated Dharali, a key stopover for pilgrims en route to Gangotri Dham. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying spectacle of floodwaters rushing down with debris, leaving little to no time for evacuation. Videos circulating online show the sheer force of the water, with homes being swept away and people running for safety.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the initial reports of four deaths. However, there are fears that the death toll may rise, with reports suggesting that around 50 people are missing. A villager told news agency PTI that approximately 10-12 people could be buried under the debris, and 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away.
Rescue operations are underway with teams from the Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed to the affected areas. Efforts are being hampered by blocked roads and disrupted connectivity. SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi stated that their team, stationed 20 kilometers away, is en route to the site. The Indian Army's Ibex Brigade has also been mobilized to assist in rescue operations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident and assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to provide relief and assistance. He stated that he is constantly in touch with senior officials and closely monitoring the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Chief Minister Dhami to review the situation and has directed the ITBP and NDRF to send additional teams to the area.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning for extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, prior to the cloudburst. A cloudburst is defined as an extremely heavy localized rainstorm dropping more than 10cm of rain within a very short time over a small area. They are common in mountainous regions like Uttarakhand, where steep slopes and fragile soil conditions exacerbate the impact, leading to flash floods and landslides.
