Flash Flood Wreaks Havoc in Uttarkashi’s Dharali Village; Rescue Operations Ongoing

At least 4 dead, 60-70 feared trapped as cloudburst triggers massive destruction on Gangotri yatra route

New Delhi, Aug 2025 : A devastating flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, has left Dharali village in ruins. Located on the revered pilgrimage route to Gangotri Dham, Dharali was engulfed by raging waters after a cloudburst occurred in the upper catchment of the Kheer Ganga river on Tuesday afternoon.

The sudden deluge led to widespread destruction, with torrents of water sweeping away homes, hotels, shops, and vehicles. Visuals from the site showed muddy waters tearing through the village, leaving behind heaps of debris, sludge, and twisted structures. The impact was so severe that large portions of the village were reduced to rubble within minutes.

According to initial reports, at least four people have been confirmed dead, while 60-70 people are believed to be trapped under debris. Several hotels, homestays, and market areas have been completely washed away. Concerns are mounting that 10-12 labourers, who were working in the area at the time, might be trapped beneath the collapsed structures.

Rescue operations were immediately launched with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and the local administration rushing to the site. Personnel from Harsil and Bhatwari were deployed to conduct search and rescue missions, navigating through dangerous debris fields and unstable terrain.

The calamity has also affected nearby regions. In Banala Patti of Barkot tehsil, livestock were swept away after the Kud Gadhera stream overflowed due to incessant rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand till August 10, particularly in the hill districts, further elevating the risk of landslides and flash floods.

Authorities are on high alert, with disaster management teams stationed in vulnerable areas. Residents and pilgrims have been cautioned against unnecessary travel in rain-affected regions. Restoring road connectivity, power supply, and communication lines remains a significant challenge in the aftermath of the disaster.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the casualty figures and stated that rescue operations are ongoing with the support of all concerned agencies. “People are being relocated to safer places on a priority basis, and the situation is under constant monitoring,” Arya said.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely overseeing the relief efforts. He has been in constant touch with senior officials, receiving real-time updates. The Chief Minister also reviewed the operations from the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun. The Indian Air Force has been contacted for aerial assistance, and beds have been reserved in nearby government hospitals and AIIMS Rishikesh. An adequate number of ambulances have been mobilized to handle emergencies.

Expressing his concern, President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her sympathies to the affected families and wished for the success of the ongoing relief and rescue efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Chief Minister Dhami, assuring all possible support from the Centre. In a post on social media, PM Modi expressed solidarity with the victims and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the rescue teams working on the ground.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, too, has been monitoring the situation closely. He informed that three teams of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and four NDRF teams have been dispatched to Dharali to intensify the rescue operations. Shah assured that every possible resource is being deployed to aid those trapped and affected.

Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Commander of the IBEX Brigade, overseeing the Army’s operations in the area, said, “Search and rescue efforts are in full swing. We are deploying every available resource to locate and assist any remaining stranded individuals.”

In light of the disaster, the Uttarakhand government has issued emergency helpline numbers for the public:

• District Emergency Operations Center, Haridwar: 01374-222722, 7310913129, 7500737269 | Toll-Free: 1077
• State Emergency Operations Center, Dehradun: 0135-2710334, 2710335, 8218867005, 9058441404 | Toll-Free: 1070

As Uttarakhand continues to grapple with relentless rains and natural disasters, the state machinery remains on high alert. The government has urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid traveling to vulnerable areas, and follow official advisories as the threat of further cloudbursts and landslides remains imminent.

Team Maverick.