Uttarkashi Hit by Twin Cloudbursts: Sukhi Top Devastated Hours After Dharali Flash Flood – WATCH VIDEO
Two cloudbursts within hours wreak havoc in Uttarkashi, with flash floods hitting Dharali and Sukhi Top. At least four lives lost; rescue and relief operations underway.
Twin cloudbursts devastate Uttarkashi’s Dharali and Sukhi Top, leaving destruction, casualties, and blocked roads in their wake.
Tragedy struck Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday as a second cloudburst in a matter of hours triggered devastating flash floods in Sukhi Top, shortly after nearby Dharali village was ravaged by a similar calamity.
The back-to-back disasters have left the region in shock, claiming at least four lives so far, with many others feared missing and large-scale property damage reported.
Cloudburst Aftermath: Dharali and Sukhi Top Suffer Heavy Destruction
According to the Indian Army, the first cloudburst occurred around 1:40 PM in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil, close to the famous Gangotri pilgrimage route. A powerful torrent of mud, debris, and boulders swept through Dharali village, flattening homes, shops, hotels, and homestays.
Just hours later, Sukhi Top, located nearby, experienced a second cloudburst that unleashed another round of flash flooding. Several houses have reportedly been damaged or completely washed away, while roads and communication lines remain severely disrupted.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
District Disaster Management Officer Shardul Gusain confirmed that four deaths had been reported from Dharali and added that rescue operations were ongoing.
“Teams from the district administration, police, NDRF, SDRF, and the Army are on the ground. Many are still feared missing,” Gusain said.
Officials stated that the full extent of the damage will only be clear after the assessment teams return from the affected zones. Rescue operations are being hampered by blocked roads and debris, making it difficult to reach stranded villagers.
Scenes of Devastation
Videos from the disaster sites reveal widespread destruction — collapsed structures, water-logged buildings, and villagers frantically salvaging belongings. Roads in many parts of the region are buried under rubble, cutting off access to several areas.
The cloudburst in the upper Kheer Ganga rivulet is believed to have triggered the first surge, catching residents off guard with little to no warning.
Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief and said he is closely monitoring the situation.
“The loss of lives and property in Uttarkashi is heartbreaking. I’ve directed officials to carry out swift and coordinated rescue and relief efforts,” said CM Dhami.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called CM Dhami to assess the situation and extended full support from the Centre. He assured that rescue operations will continue on a war footing, with additional teams and helicopters placed on standby.
Relief camps are being set up in safer zones to provide shelter and food for displaced residents.
Final Note
With two cloudbursts within a few hours, Uttarkashi has witnessed one of the most alarming natural events in recent times. As rescue operations intensify, the focus now shifts to relief and rehabilitation for those affected by the twin disasters.
