Uttarkashi: A deadly cloudburst struck Uttarkashi district’s Dharali village late Tuesday noon, unleashing a massive flood in the Khirganga river and causing large-scale destruction across the region. The sudden deluge claimed at least four lives, with several others still feared trapped under debris and collapsed structures, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
District Magistrate Prashant Arya said the disaster hit around noon, catching residents off guard as a torrent of water and sludge swept through the village. “We have recovered four bodies so far. Several people are feared trapped, and rescue operations are underway with full force,” Arya said. The village’s main marketplace — once a bustling area dotted with hotels, shops, and homestays — now lies in ruins. Many commercial structures collapsed as the powerful surge tore through the area, leaving behind mangled remains of buildings and shattered livelihoods.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the floodwaters surged into residential zones. "Within minutes, the water level rose above our waist. People were screaming and running for higher ground. Entire buildings just crumbled in front of us," said Ramesh Rawat, a shopkeeper whose store was washed away.
Army personnel from the nearby Harsil base, along with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police, have been deployed for search and rescue. Operations are concentrated around Bhatwari and the submerged market area, where sniffer dogs and heavy equipment are being used to locate trapped individuals.
The devastation in Dharali was compounded by reports of a second cloudburst at Sukhi Top, on the same road as Dharali.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the incident but stated that no casualties or property damage were reported at Sukhi Top so far. “The rain is relentless, and water levels are dangerously high. Our first priority is to evacuate people to safer areas. We are monitoring the situation continuously,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a related incident, the Telgadh stream near the Harsil Army camp overflowed after heavy rainfall in Kheer Ganga, adding to the fear among local communities. The raging stream has forced the closure of the Gangotri Highway, further complicating rescue logistics in the upper reaches of the district.
Elsewhere in the state, torrential rains continued to lash several hill districts. On Tuesday morning, flash floods in the Kud Gadhera stream in Banala Patti area of Barkot tehsil swept away at least 18 goats, although no human casualties were reported. As a precaution, schools in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, and Haridwar districts were ordered shut due to the weather warning.
Rohit Thapliyal, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun, said that heavy rainfall is expected to continue until at least August 10. “Red alerts have been issued for several districts in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. People living in landslide-prone and riverbank areas should remain extremely cautious,” he said.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage in Uttarkashi. “Our teams — SDRF, NDRF, Army, and the district administration — are working on a war footing to rescue those trapped and provide relief to affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation and have asked officials to leave no stone unturned,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences via social media. “I extend my sympathies to those affected by this tragedy and pray for the safety of all. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and taken stock of the situation. Relief and rescue operations are underway with full force under the state government’s supervision. No effort is being spared to assist those in need,” he posted on X.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, too, shared his concern and grief. “The news of multiple deaths and missing persons following the devastating cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarakhand, is deeply saddening and worrying. I express my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and hope the missing are found soon. I urge the administration to speed up relief and rescue operations,” he said in a post on X.
To support rescue efforts, the State Emergency Operations Centre has requested the deployment of two MI helicopters and one Chinook from the central government. These aircraft are expected to provide aerial surveillance, drop relief materials, and assist in evacuating stranded villagers once weather permits.
With roads blocked, rivers swelling, and remote villages cut off, the Himalayan state remains on high alert. For now, Uttarkashi's battered communities are relying on the courage of rescue teams — and hoping for the skies to finally clear.
