Tragedy Strikes Uttarkashi as Twin Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – At least four people have been confirmed dead and over 50 remain missing after twin cloudbursts struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday afternoon, triggering devastating flash floods that swept away houses, hotels, and homestays along the route to the revered Gangotri shrine.
The incident unfolded around 2 PM in the catchment area of Kheer Ganga, where heavy rainfall caused an overwhelming deluge, turning the serene mountain landscape into a scene of chaos. Entire structures were washed away by the raging Bhagirathi River, leaving residents, pilgrims, and tourists scrambling for safety. Eyewitness accounts suggest that nearly 40 to 50 houses and over two dozen guesthouses may have been destroyed in minutes.
Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
Emergency teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and local police have been deployed in the region. So far, 20 people have been rescued, according to official sources. The NDRF has dispatched three teams to Uttarkashi, with two more on standby for airlift from Shastradhar airstrip. Each NDRF team consists of 35 personnel equipped with advanced rescue tools and supplies.
The ITBP confirmed that a 16-member team has already reached the affected site, with another unit from its 12th Battalion on the way from Matli. The Uttarakhand government has also appointed three senior IAS officers to oversee the relief and rescue efforts in the district.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Havoc 🇮🇳
At least 4 dead as flash floods destroy homes & hotels in Dharali. Entire village washed away in seconds. Heartbreaking visuals emerge from the disaster zone. pic.twitter.com/WZMftjyZsz— Bharatfirst (@Bharatfirstji) August 5, 2025
Temporary Lake Raises Flash Flood Concerns
Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Sarita Doval warned of the formation of a temporary lake on the Bhagirathi River near Harshil, caused by debris blocking the natural water flow. Authorities fear that any breach could trigger fresh flash floods in downstream areas. Residents in vulnerable zones have been advised to evacuate to safer locations immediately.
Meanwhile, in Haridwar, district authorities are closely monitoring the Ganga River’s water level, which had risen due to the heavy rainfall. Though currently below the danger mark, further rainfall could change the situation rapidly. Haridwar DM Mayur Dixit stated that teams are working in coordination with municipal bodies to drain waterlogged areas and prepare for any emergencies.
Leaders Respond, Highlight Climate Concerns
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is monitoring the situation from the State Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun, called the destruction “extremely sad and distressing” and assured that relief operations are being carried out on a war footing. He is in constant touch with officials on the ground.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with the Chief Minister and promised all necessary central assistance. Former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the top priority is immediate relief and that the death toll might have been higher if not for a local fair that had drawn many people away from the impacted area.
Former CM Harish Rawat and other political leaders expressed grave concern over the increasing frequency of cloudburst events in the region. “This reminds us of Kedarnath. These incidents are becoming alarmingly common,” Rawat remarked.
Calls for Environmental Action
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi and Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera used the moment to underline the growing threat of climate change and unregulated development. Chaturvedi lamented the loss of life and property, while Khera criticized the government for ignoring environmental warnings, saying, “Recurring disasters are a reminder that nature gives signs—we must heed them.”
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences on social media, calling the incident “extremely tragic” and wishing success for the ongoing relief efforts.
As the rescue operation continues under challenging conditions, officials warn that the coming hours will be crucial. With dozens still missing and significant property damage already recorded, Uttarkashi’s twin cloudbursts stand as another grim reminder of the Himalayan region’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
