The devastating flash floods in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, have left a trail of destruction and grief, with stories of loss emerging from every corner. Among the most heart-wrenching are those of families who have lost contact with their loved ones, migrant workers from Nepal among those missing. Kali Devi and her husband, Vijay Singh, Nepali laborers, had just left the Harsil Valley when disaster struck on Tuesday, unknowingly becoming perhaps the sole survivors from their group.
The couple recounted their last conversation with their son, a chilling premonition of the tragedy to come. "Papa, we won't survive," their son had said during a phone call, as reported by NDTV. This remains their last contact with him, as he is now missing in the wake of the Uttarkashi floods.
The flash floods, triggered by torrential rain and possibly a cloudburst or glacial lake outburst, swept through the Dharali village and surrounding areas on Tuesday afternoon. The deluge damaged and washed away homes, hotels, and other infrastructure. As of August 7, 2025, at least four deaths have been confirmed, and dozens more are feared missing. Rescue operations are underway, but challenging conditions and continuous rainfall have hampered efforts.
The disaster has left families scrambling for information and desperately seeking any sign of their missing relatives. Communication networks have been severely disrupted, with telephone lines damaged and roads blocked by landslides and debris. This has forced many to trek through hazardous terrain in search of their loved ones.
The Indian Army, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are engaged in rescue and relief operations. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has visited the affected areas, assuring the public that the government is doing everything possible to provide relief and support.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall in the region, further complicating rescue efforts. Schools in the Uttarkashi district will remain closed on Thursday, August 7, due to the weather forecast.
The tragedy in Uttarkashi highlights the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to natural disasters, especially with the increasing effects of climate change. The incident has prompted concerns about the safety of those living in high-altitude areas and the need for better disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
As rescue operations continue, families like Kali Devi and Vijay Singh can only wait and pray for a miracle, clinging to the hope that their son will be found safe. Their story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the Uttarkashi floods and the urgent need for continued support for those affected.
