Cloudburst Triggers Devastating Flash Floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali Village; At Least 4 Dead, Dozens Missing

A sudden cloudburst struck Dharali village, located near Harsil in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, on August 5, 2025, unleashing a catastrophic torrent of water and mud that obliterated homes, hotels, and village infrastructure.

Impact Overview

At least four people confirmed dead with many more presumed missing or trapped. Emotional eyewitness videos captured residents fleeing as buildings collapsed in seconds.

The cloudburst occurred in the Kheer Ganga river catchment, triggering massive flash floods and landslides that washed away an estimated 30–40 homes, hotels, and shops.

Dharali, a critical stopover for the Gangotri pilgrimage, was severely affected, with many restaurants and homestays collapsing or submerged.

Rescue & Relief Efforts

• The Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade, along with SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, and local authorities, quickly mobilized rescue operations. Around 15–20 people have been evacuated to safety.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that rescue work is ongoing “on war footing” and is closely monitoring the situation.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took cognizance and coordinated the deployment of additional NDRF and ITBP teams.

Officials fear longer casualty lists as the scale of destruction becomes clear, with dozens still unaccounted for, possibly buried under debris.

The incident underscores the region’s vulnerability to abrupt weather extremes, especially in high-altitude Himalayan terrain.