A cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, has resulted in at least four fatalities, with dozens feared missing. The intense rainfall triggered flash floods and mudslides, washing away homes and disrupting normal life in the region. The administration also reported a second cloud burst in Sukhi Top near Dharali.
The cloudburst occurred in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, causing a sudden and devastating surge of water. Initial reports suggest that 40-50 buildings, including houses, hotels, and homestays, have been severely damaged or completely swept away by the raging waters. The entire Dharali market is reported to have been washed away.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the floodwaters engulfed the area, with residents scrambling for safety. A resident told reporters that the actual casualty count could exceed 30. Approximately 10-12 people are feared to be buried under the debris.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Indian Army, and local police. The Indian Army mobilized 150 personnel who reached the site within 10 minutes of the incident and have evacuated 15-20 individuals, providing medical treatment to the injured at their facility in Harshil. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and reach those who are still stranded.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed his grief and assured swift action, stating that relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing. He is in constant contact with senior officials and closely monitoring the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have also spoken with Dhami, assuring the state of the Centre's full support in rescue and relief efforts.
The Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre has issued helpline numbers: 01374222126, 01374222722, and 9456556431.
The cloudburst has further highlighted the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters. Dharali and its neighboring areas are located in a high-altitude, ecologically sensitive zone prone to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods, especially during the monsoon season. Experts suggest that changing climate patterns and increased construction in fragile zones are contributing to the increasing frequency of such incidents.
