Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, August 5, 2025 – A devastating cloudburst struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, triggering catastrophic flash floods and landslides that have left at least four people dead and approximately 50 others missing. The disaster, centered in the Kheer Ganga river’s catchment area, has swept away homes, hotels, and infrastructure, plunging the region into chaos and prompting a massive rescue operation.
A Sudden Deluge of Destruction
The cloudburst occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, unleashing a torrent of muddy water and debris that cascaded down the hillsides into Dharali, a high-altitude village and key stopover on the pilgrimage route to Gangotri Dham. The Kheer Ganga river, swollen by the sudden downpour, surged through the village, reducing buildings to rubble and washing away entire sections of the local market and residential areas. Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror as residents scrambled for safety, with videos circulating on social media capturing the roar of floodwaters and panicked screams. “Everything is finished,” one haunting voice can be heard in a clip, reflecting the despair on the ground.
Local reports estimate that 20-25 hotels and homestays, critical to the village’s tourism-driven economy, have been completely washed away. Additionally, 10-12 people are feared trapped under debris, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the number of missing could be as high as 60. “I haven’t witnessed a disaster like this before,” an eyewitness told India Today TV, describing the obliteration of hotels, markets, and homes.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Relief and rescue efforts are underway on a war footing, with multiple agencies mobilized to the disaster site. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid. A 16-member ITBP team and three NDRF teams from Manera, Batkot, and Dehradun have reached Dharali, with two additional NDRF teams on standby at Shashtradhar airstrip for potential airlift. An Army team from Harsil’s Ibex Brigade is also assisting, focusing on clearing debris and rescuing those trapped.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the fatalities and ongoing efforts, noting that the exact scale of the damage is still being assessed due to weak network connectivity in the region. “We are waiting for precise data, but the rising water level of Kheer Ganga has caused severe destruction,” Arya told reporters. The continuous rainfall is hampering operations, with authorities urging residents to stay away from rivers and move to safer locations.
Government Response and Support
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound grief over the tragedy, stating, “The news of heavy losses due to a cloudburst in Dharali is extremely sad and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged on war footing in relief and rescue operations.” Dhami is personally monitoring the situation, maintaining constant contact with senior officials from the State Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also reached out to CM Dhami, assuring full central government support. Shah confirmed that three ITBP teams and four NDRF teams have been dispatched, emphasizing swift action to aid the affected. “The Centre is closely monitoring the situation,” Shah posted on X. Modi expressed condolences, praying for the well-being of victims and assuring that relief efforts are in full swing.
Relief camps have been established in Harsil and Jhala to provide shelter and aid to displaced residents. The state administration has shared emergency contact numbers for those in need, urging locals to prioritize safety amid ongoing rains.
A Region Under Monsoon Siege
The cloudburst in Dharali is the latest in a series of monsoon-related disasters battering Uttarakhand. Just days earlier, heavy rains caused landslides and flooding in Rudraprayag and Udham Singh Nagar districts, claiming lives and burying shops under debris. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand on August 5, with an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains extending through August 10. The forecast warns of potential landslides and further flooding, particularly in hilly areas.
Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to cloudbursts is well-documented, with historical events causing significant loss of life and property. In 2013, a cloudburst in Kedarnath killed thousands, and earlier incidents in the Alaknanda valley and Pithoragarh have left lasting scars. The current disaster underscores the region’s ongoing struggle with extreme weather, exacerbated by unchecked development in ecologically sensitive zones.
Community in Crisis
Dharali, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Gangotri, is a bustling hub for pilgrims and tourists. The destruction of its hotels and homestays threatens the local economy, while the loss of life and missing persons have left the community reeling. Social media posts reflect the anguish, with one user describing the disaster as a sign that “Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are vanishing into thin air,” echoing concerns about the fragility of Himalayan ecosystems.
As rescue teams battle treacherous conditions, the focus remains on saving lives and restoring normalcy. However, with the IMD predicting more heavy rainfall, the road to recovery for Dharali and its residents will be long and arduous. Authorities are urging vigilance, and the nation watches with bated breath as Uttarakhand grapples with nature’s fury.
For the latest updates, follow trusted news sources or contact local authorities for assistance. Stay safe and avoid rivers and low-lying areas as the monsoon continues to challenge the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment