Uttarakhand Cloudburst Triggers Devastating Flash Floods in Dharali; Four Confirmed Dead, Dozens Feared Missing

Dharali, Uttarakhand – A sudden and powerful cloudburst on Tuesday unleashed a torrent of flash floods in Dharali, a high-altitude village along the route to Gangotri in Uttarakhand. The catastrophic event, which occurred in the Kheer Ganga river catchment area, has swept away multiple houses, severely damaged many others, and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Officials have confirmed four fatalities, and fears are mounting for dozens more believed to be buried under the debris. Villagers on the ground estimate that up to a dozen people could still be trapped, and a significant portion of the village’s infrastructure, including an estimated 20-25 hotels and homestays that served as a key stopover for tourists, may have been completely washed away.
The incident has sent shockwaves through neighboring villages, with terrifying videos circulating that show a churning deluge of muddy water and debris tearing through settlements.
Intensive Rescue Operations Underway
In response to the unfolding tragedy, a massive rescue operation has been launched. An Army team from Harsil has been swiftly deployed to assist local authorities. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the grim death toll and assured that relief efforts are proceeding on a war footing.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief and inform the public that teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and district administration are working relentlessly. “I am in constant touch with senior officials. The situation is being monitored closely,” CM Dhami stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences via X to those affected by the tragic flash floods. He stated, “I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people.”
The focus remains on search and rescue, with teams battling challenging conditions to locate survivors and provide aid to those impacted by this devastating natural calamity. The full extent of the damage and the final casualty count are yet to be ascertained as operations continue.