Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: A sudden and severe flash flood triggered by a major cloudburst struck the high-altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, wreaking havoc across the region.
The deluge swept away homes, hotels, and homestays, leaving at least four people dead and many more missing amid raging waters and landslides.
Dharali, a key stopover on the route to Gangotri and home to numerous tourist accommodations, bore the brunt of the disaster as floodwaters surged through the area. Local reports estimate that 20 to 25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the deaths and said that rescue operations are ongoing. “The priority is to save lives and evacuate those trapped,” he said.
Heavy downpour in short period leading to massive flash flood landslide in #uttarkashi district
Several houses and people washed away in this calamity. Prayers with all those affected
Please follow all weather advisories while traveling to uttarakhand, Himachal pic.twitter.com/EvNJ5wl98t— Dr. Vineet Kumar (@vineet_mausam) August 5, 2025
An Indian Army team from nearby Harsil quickly mobilized, with 150 personnel led by Col Harshvardhan of the 14 RAJRIF launching critical rescue and relief operations shortly after the incident. Rescue efforts include ground teams, tracker dogs, drones, earth-moving equipment, and aerial support from Army and Air Force helicopters.
Despite adverse weather and poor visibility that delayed air operations on Tuesday, helicopters from the Indian Air Force bases at Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Bareilly are on standby with multiple choppers ready for evacuation, supply drops, and medical assistance.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has been instrumental in rescue efforts, safely evacuating 37 villagers, including women and children, from the flood-affected areas to safer locations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are also actively engaged.
#MudslideReliefOperations#HADR
Update: 📍 Landslide at Dharali, Uttarakhand
05 August 2025A landslide struck near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil, at around 1:45 PM today.
Responding with urgency, the #IndianArmy swiftly mobilised… pic.twitter.com/e8QajmsvFr
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 5, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media and assured the nation that every possible measure is being taken to support those affected. “No stone is being left unturned to assist,” he said after speaking with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who cut short his Andhra Pradesh visit to return and coordinate relief efforts.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized a ‘war footing’ approach to rescue operations. He confirmed that 130 people trapped in the affected areas have been relocated to safety. Dhami ordered the immediate restoration of disrupted communication lines and instructed authorities to arrange food, shelter, and medical aid for those displaced. He also called for the rapid opening of the lake forming near Harshil to prevent further flooding.
Additionally, IAS officers with experience in Uttarkashi have been appointed as nodal officers to streamline rescue operations, ensuring prompt coordination among agencies.
हर परिस्थिति में आपदा प्रभावितों के साथ खड़ी है हमारी सरकार pic.twitter.com/ZpHj7Oq8IZ
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 5, 2025
Senior geologists have shared images indicating a glacier deposit slide as a possible cause of the disaster, although the Uttarakhand Meteorological Department has not classified the event as a cloudburst, citing a lack of supporting data.
In the wake of the disaster, the local road between Uttarkashi and Harsil remains blocked due to landslides and washouts, hampering rescue logistics. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity.
The situation remains critical, with eight to ten Indian Army soldiers reported missing from a camp in lower Harsil. Despite this, army personnel continue their relentless search and rescue missions, underscoring their dedication amid tragedy.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed deep sorrow and extended her sympathies to the affected families, wishing success for the ongoing rescue operations.
