Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc in Uttarkashi; Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – A massive cloudburst in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday afternoon has resulted in at least five confirmed deaths and left over 100 people missing. The disaster struck Dharali village and Sukhi Top around 1:40 PM, unleashing devastating flash floods that swept away homes, hotels, and livelihoods in mere minutes.
The aftermath has triggered a full-scale emergency response from local authorities, with the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and local police racing against time and weather to save lives.
Ground Zero: Destruction in Dharali
Dharali, a popular tourist stop along the Uttarkashi–Harsil route, bore the brunt of the twin cloudbursts. According to officials, around 20 to 25 hotels, guesthouses, and shops in the bustling Dharali market area were washed away. Eyewitness footage shows muddy torrents tearing through buildings, turning once-thriving areas into debris fields.
The Kheer Ganga catchment area saw intense rainfall, leading to massive mudslides in nearby Kheer Gadh. Roads, including the crucial Uttarkashi–Harsil stretch in the Bhatwadi area, have been completely washed out, severely hampering connectivity to the region.
Families in Distress, Many Still Missing
The human toll continues to mount as desperate families search for missing loved ones. Mahendra Chauhan, a resident who met with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, said, “My sister, her husband, and their child have been missing since yesterday. We have received assurance that helicopter rescue operations will begin as soon as weather conditions improve.”
Another local, grieving over his missing brother’s family, expressed similar anguish. “The CM told us that every possible effort is being made, but it’s hard to remain hopeful in such uncertainty,” he told reporters.
उत्तरकाशी में बादल फटने से भारी तबाही मची है… एक दर्जन से ज्यादा लोगों के मलबे में दबने की सूचना है
भयावह मंजर है- वीडियो 👇#uttarkashicloudburst #uttarkashi #UttarakhandNews #cloudburst pic.twitter.com/BcQmADqLlk
— Vinay Saxena (@vinaysaxenaj) August 5, 2025
CM Dhami, PM Modi Respond Swiftly
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken direct charge of the situation, visiting the affected areas early Wednesday morning. He conducted an aerial survey of the worst-hit zones, chaired a disaster review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun, and met victims at the PWD Guest House in Dharali.
Dhami confirmed that ten DSPs, three SPs, and around 160 police personnel have been deployed for rescue efforts. Army helicopters are on standby, ready to be deployed once weather conditions stabilize.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke to CM Dhami to assess the situation. “I express my condolences to those affected. The Centre is ready to provide every possible assistance,” he said in a post on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have also pledged full support.
Over 150 Evacuated Amid Ongoing Operations
So far, more than 150 people have been safely evacuated, despite continuous rainfall and treacherous terrain hampering relief work. According to NDRF Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahidi, over 100 people remain unaccounted for.
Three NDRF teams have been deployed in the area, working alongside SDRF and the Army. Rescuers are navigating through rubble, landslides, and rising waters to reach those trapped. A viral video from Wednesday morning shows rescue teams carrying stranded villagers to safety in waist-deep water.
24-Hour Alert as Situation Remains Critical
With more rain forecast, the Uttarakhand government has issued a 24-hour high alert. CM Dhami has directed officials and rescue forces to remain on active duty through the night. “We cannot afford to lower our guard. Every life matters,” he stated.
Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal commented from Delhi, “This is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable the hills are. Lives, homes, and even army camps have been damaged. The priority now is to rescue the missing and restore essential services.”
Looking Ahead
As relief and rescue operations intensify, the state’s focus remains on evacuating those still trapped, restoring road access, and providing shelter and aid to those displaced. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but for now, Uttarkashi stands united in the face of nature’s fury.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow as operations progress.
