Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand | August 5, 2025 – A catastrophic cloudburst in the upper reaches of Uttarkashi district has unleashed a deadly flash flood that swept away the entire Dharali village on Monday morning, leaving behind a trail of destruction, displacement, and death.
🌧️ The Disaster Unfolds
According to officials, the cloudburst occurred near the Kheer Ganga river catchment, unleashing a torrent of water and mud that raced down the mountainsides, obliterating everything in its path. Homes, shops, vehicles, and even small hotels were washed away within minutes.
At least four people have been confirmed dead, while more than 50 individuals remain missing, feared to be trapped under mud and debris. Eyewitnesses describe the scene as apocalyptic — with the entire village being “swallowed” by the wall of water and mud.
🚨 Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations.
Multiple helicopters, sniffer dogs, and earth-moving machinery have been pressed into service, as efforts continue to locate missing residents amid unstable terrain and continuous rainfall.
Speaking to media, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief and assured all possible assistance to the affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and has assured all central support.
⛔ Red Alert for Uttarakhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region until August 10, raising fears of further landslides and flash floods.
The public has been advised to avoid mountain travel, riverbanks, and low-lying areas. All schools in nearby districts have been closed as a precaution.
🌍 A Pattern of Himalayan Fragility
This disaster echoes past tragedies in the region, including the 2013 Kedarnath floods and the 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake, underlining Uttarakhand’s chronic vulnerability to natural calamities.
Experts have long warned that unregulated construction, deforestation, and climate change are amplifying the risks in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan zone.
📌 Summary at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dharali, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand |
| Date | August 5, 2025 |
| Cause | Cloudburst and flash flood |
| Deaths | At least 4 confirmed |
| Missing | Over 50 feared trapped |
| Damage | Homes, hotels, shops destroyed |
| Response | NDRF, SDRF, Army, ITBP deployed |
| Weather Alert | Red alert by IMD till August 10 |
