The Uttarakhand region has been grappling with the aftermath of a devastating flash flood that struck Uttarkashi on August 5, 2025, resulting in a large-scale rescue operation. As of August 9, 2025, authorities have successfully rescued over 1,000 people from the flood-affected areas. Relief efforts are actively underway, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami closely monitoring the situation and directing operations.
The flash flood was triggered by intense rainfall and a possible cloudburst in the Kheer Ganga river area, causing the river to swell with immense force. The floodwaters, carrying a significant amount of debris and mud, swept through the Dharali village and surrounding areas, causing widespread destruction. While initial reports pointed to a cloudburst, scientists are also exploring other possibilities, including a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), a glacier collapse, a landslide, or a combination of these factors. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a warning for heavy rainfall in the region until August 10.
The disaster has resulted in at least four fatalities, with dozens of people still missing. Among those missing are at least 49 civilians and several army personnel. The Indian Army, along with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were among the first responders, immediately mobilizing troops to the affected area to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. Rescue operations are being conducted on a "war footing," with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), NDRF, district administration, and other teams working to reach those affected.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed multiple assets, including Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopters, as well as C-295 and AN-32 transport aircraft, to aid in rescue and relief efforts. Helicopters are airlifting people from remote areas to the Matli helipad and the airstrip at Chinyalisaur, from where arrangements are being made for their onward journey. As of August 8, 2025, 372 people had been safely transported from the affected areas to ITBP Matli Camp and Jolly Grant, Dehradun, via helicopters. By August 9, a total of 566 people had been evacuated from Dharali and Harsil.
The flash flood has significantly impacted infrastructure and connectivity in the region. The Gangotri highway is blocked or breached at several points, hampering efforts to transport advanced equipment needed to search for the missing. A Bailey bridge is under construction at Limchigad near Gangnani to improve road connectivity. Mobile and electricity towers were swept away by the floodwaters, disrupting communication networks. However, mobile network services have been restored in Harsil Valley following sustained efforts by the administration.
Chief Minister Dhami has announced an immediate assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed and those who lost their homes in the disaster. He also announced the formation of a three-member committee for rehabilitation, overall revival, and strengthening of sustainable livelihood of villagers affected by the disaster. The state government will also provide six months' ration to the affected families. However, the distribution of initial relief cheques of ₹5,000 to affected families has triggered protests, with villagers deeming the amount inadequate. The district administration has defended the move, stating that the ₹5,000 was only an interim measure, and proper compensation will be given after evaluating the entire loss.
The causes of the flash flood are still under investigation, but preliminary assessments suggest that heavy rainfall, coupled with the region's topography, played a significant role. The increase in rainfall intensity due to climate change may have also contributed to the disaster. ISRO satellite images reveal significant deposition of sediments and mudflows near the Bhagirathi and Khera gad Rivers. Experts suggest that a reactivated landslide or the breaching of a glacial lake due to rising temperatures could have triggered the deadly mudslide.
