CM Dhami Reviews Rescue Operations in Cloudburst-Hit Uttarkashi, Thanks PM Modi for Support

Uttarkashi, Aug 2025 – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived at Joshiada Helipad on Wednesday to personally assess the damage caused by the devastating cloudburst and flash floods in Uttarkashi district. The natural disaster has triggered landslides, washed away roads and bridges, and left dozens stranded in remote mountainous regions.

Upon arrival, CM Dhami immediately began a ground-level review of the high-intensity rescue operations, being carried out jointly by the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and local residents. So far, 130 people have been successfully rescued, despite severe accessibility challenges due to damaged infrastructure.

“All our agencies including the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and local volunteers are relentlessly engaged in rescue work. The search and evacuation efforts are ongoing,” said CM Dhami.
“Due to damaged roads and a collapsed bridge, reaching the worst-affected areas is proving difficult. But our Disaster Operations Center in Dehradun is functioning round the clock to coordinate assistance.”

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been monitoring the situation closely. “I thank Prime Minister Modi for his constant support and supervision during this crisis,” CM Dhami said.

To bolster the rescue efforts, 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 3 Superintendents of Police (SPs), and about 160 police personnel have been deployed in the disaster-hit zones. Helicopters from the Indian Army are on standby and will be deployed for air evacuations as soon as weather conditions improve. Food packets and medical teams are ready to be air-dropped, and power restoration work is already underway.

However, challenges remain. Communication infrastructure has been severely impacted, especially in Dharali, where mobile networks are still down. “Efforts are ongoing to reach every person affected and bring them to safety,” CM Dhami said.

Ongoing Crisis in Uttarkashi

The devastation follows a cloudburst and subsequent flash floods that struck Uttarkashi on Tuesday, sweeping away houses, shops, and roads. Multiple cloudbursts were reported – one near Sukhi Top, which caused significant landslides, and another on the ground level that triggered the most damage in Dharali, located approximately 50 kilometers from the incident epicenter.

Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to clear debris and restore road connectivity along the Uttarkashi-Harsil route, which remained blocked overnight. In Bhatwadi, an entire stretch of road has been washed away, further hampering rescue operations.

A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in the area to support the state machinery. Landslides and flash floods continue to threaten the region, especially with further heavy rain warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the hill districts of Uttarakhand.

National Response and Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly to CM Dhami to review the situation and assured full central support. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote:

“I express my condolences to those affected by this tragedy in Uttarkashi. I have spoken to CM Pushkar Dhami and reviewed the situation. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and assure all possible help.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also offered central assistance, directing the immediate deployment of NDRF and ITBP teams to bolster local efforts.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reached out to CM Dhami, expressing solidarity and offering any support required from his government.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, the Uttarakhand government remains on high alert, coordinating closely with central agencies to minimize loss of life and ensure timely evacuation from affected zones.