A devastating cloudburst near the Kheer Ganga river in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village on August 5 triggered flash floods and landslides. At least 4 people died, many are feared missing, and dozens of homes and hotels were swept away within seconds.
Two cloudbursts struck Uttarkashi—one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area—causing flash floods and mudslides. Dharali was the worst hit, with widespread destruction of homes, shops, and roads.
Rescue and relief operations are being led by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Over 130 people have been rescued so far, with coordination led by the State Emergency Operation Centre, District Magistrate, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
According to Lt Col Manish Shrivastava, Public Relations Officer (Defence), Dehradun, two missing Indian Army personnel have been rescued, but nine still remain untraceable after the flash floods.
Railway Superintendent of Police (SP) Aruna Bharti confirmed debris and boulders hit the tracks around 6:30–6:45 pm, snapping wires. No injuries were reported. The Janta Express was halted at Harrawala, and at least four to five trains were affected.
SDRF teams have already rescued nearly 80 people, relocating them to safer areas in Gangotri. According to Commander Arpan Yaduvanshi, more reinforcements—including a dog squad, paramedics, and specialised gear—are en route. A total of 85 personnel are expected to be on-site by late night or early morning.
BJP MP Ajay Bhatt said that rescue teams were working through the night. Two helicopters are ready in Sarsawa, and two Chinook aircraft in Chandigarh are on standby for deployment once weather permits. He also told ANI that food and medical support have been arranged and assured that all possible measures are being taken to save lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sorrow over the disaster and assured that the central government is actively monitoring the situation. He said, “Relief efforts are underway at full scale. My thoughts are with all those affected by the Uttarkashi tragedy.”
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in several parts of Uttarakhand, especially in the hill districts, over the next 72 hours. Officials have warned of continued risks of landslides and flash floods, urging people to remain cautious.
