Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, August 6, 2025 – A catastrophic cloudburst struck the Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, unleashing flash floods and landslides that caused widespread destruction. The disaster, centered around the Kheer Ganga river, has left at least four people dead, with over 50 individuals, including 8–11 Indian Army soldiers, feared missing. The tragedy has prompted an urgent response from multiple agencies, with rescue operations ongoing amidst challenging weather conditions.

The Incident

At approximately 1:45 PM IST on August 5, 2025, a massive cloudburst in the upper catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river triggered a torrent of water, mud, and debris that surged through Dharali village, located 4 km from Harsil and 8,600 feet above sea level. The sudden deluge swept away homes, hotels, homestays, shops, and critical infrastructure, including a helipad in the Harsil Valley. Visuals shared on social media and by news outlets depict horrifying scenes of muddy water and debris roaring down hillsides, engulfing buildings, and leaving residents in panic. Eyewitnesses described the water as a “wall” that obliterated everything in its path within moments, reminiscent of the 2021 Chamoli disaster that claimed over 200 lives.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Uttarkashi received over 2.7 cm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to the event, with a red alert issued for “extremely heavy” rainfall of around 21 cm in Dharali. The IMD has also forecasted heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand until August 10, particularly in hilly regions, exacerbating concerns for further flooding and landslides.

Casualties and Damage

According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, at least four deaths have been confirmed, with fears that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue. Over 50 people, including civilians and 8–11 soldiers from an Indian Army camp in the lower Harsil area, remain unaccounted for. Locals estimate that 20–25 hotels and homestays, vital to the region’s tourism-driven economy, were washed away, alongside homes, shops, and roads. The historic Kalp Kedar temple, resembling Kedarnath in architecture, was buried under debris, adding to the cultural loss. A strategic road connecting Uttarkashi to Dharali and Gangotri was also destroyed, isolating the region and hampering rescue efforts.

Dharali, a key stopover en route to the sacred Gangotri Dham, is a bustling tourist hub with numerous hotels, restaurants, and homestays. The flash floods have left the area cut off, with blocked roads and disrupted communication lines complicating rescue efforts. The nearby Harsil Army camp and an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) base were also affected, with reports of damage to military infrastructure.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

A multi-agency response was swiftly mobilized, involving the Indian Army, ITBP, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, fire services, and local administration. The Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade, stationed at Harsil, was among the first responders, reaching the site within 10 minutes and rescuing at least 15–20 people. Over 130 individuals have been evacuated to safer locations, with the injured receiving treatment at the Army’s medical facility in Harsil.

Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Brigade Commander, reported that 150 Army personnel, equipped with medical kits and rescue gear, are leading operations despite a second cloudburst striking the Harsil Army camp itself. Three NDRF teams, each with 35 members, and a 16-member ITBP team are also on-site, with additional teams on standby for airlift from Shastradhar airstrip. However, ongoing heavy rainfall and blocked roads, including 163 roads statewide (five national highways, seven state highways, and two border roads), have slowed rescue efforts.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who cut short a visit to Andhra Pradesh to oversee operations, described the incident as “extremely sad and painful.” He is closely monitoring the situation from the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun, ensuring immediate food, shelter, and medical aid for those affected. The Uttarakhand government has deployed three IAS officers to Uttarkashi to coordinate relief efforts and issued emergency helpline numbers: 01374-222126, 01374-222722, and 9456556431.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have assured full central government support. Shah confirmed the deployment of ITBP and NDRF teams, while Modi expressed condolences and prayers for the affected.

Context and Vulnerability

Uttarkashi’s history of natural disasters underscores its vulnerability within the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The region has faced devastating events, including the 1991 earthquake, 2013 Kedarnath floods, and a 2019 cloudburst in Arakot Bangan. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of cloudbursts to climate change, which has altered monsoon patterns, coupled with human-induced factors like deforestation and over-construction. The IMD notes that rising global temperatures and shifting wind patterns are funneling more moisture into Uttarakhand, amplifying the risk of extreme weather events.

The cloudburst follows a series of rain-triggered incidents in Uttarakhand this monsoon season, with two deaths reported in Rudraprayag on August 4. Schools and Anganwadi centers in nine districts, including Uttarkashi, remain closed on August 6 due to an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, Pauri, Tehri, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Community and Official Response

The disaster has sparked widespread grief and solidarity. Social media posts reflect the horror of eyewitnesses, with videos showing people screaming as floodwaters engulfed Dharali. Political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Yogi Adityanath, have expressed condolences and urged swift administrative action. The Uttarkashi Police issued a public advisory urging residents to stay away from riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock.

Outlook

As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating the missing, providing medical care, and restoring access to the affected region. The IMD’s warning of heavy rainfall until August 10 raises concerns about further flooding and landslides, with authorities urging vigilance in flood-prone areas. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for sustainable development and disaster preparedness in Uttarakhand’s vulnerable Himalayan terrain.

The Logical Indian, among others, extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and praised the heroic efforts of rescuers working under perilous conditions. The nation watches with bated breath as teams race against time to save lives and rebuild in the wake of this devastating natural calamity.

For further updates or to seek assistance, contact the Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre at 01374-222126, 01374-222722, or 9456556431.