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Flash floods have wreaked havoc in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi after a cloudburst on Tuesday (August 5). The high-altitude villages of Dharali bore the brunt of the calamity. Two bodies was recovered under the debris in Dharali, taking
the toll to six. At least 150 people were rescued as authorities swung into action despite incessant rain in the region.
At least 100 people are said to have gone missing as many had gathered for the Har Dudh fair in Dharali village when the tragedy struck. The missing also include 11 soldiers, Defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Shrivastava said.
NDRF Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Mohsen Shahedi said a lake has formed in the higher area, but it is safe as the water is receding.
Another
massive landslide hit Uttarkashi on Wednesday morning (August 6). All rivers are flowing above the danger mark in the state. The Uttarkashi-Nagun road was also blocked due to a mudslide amid heavy rainfall in the region.
On August 5, two cloudbursts, one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area, caused widespread destruction. Dharali is the primary stopover on the way to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges, and home to many hotels, restaurants, and home stays.
Due to a cloudburst, the
Uttarkashi-Harsil road in Bhatwadi has been completely washed out.
The incident occurred around 1.45 pm, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil.
Terrifying videos of the disaster showed waters from the flash floods gushing down a river, sweeping away hotels, homes, shops, trees, cars, and more. People were seen running for their lives.
Rescue operation
Rescue and relief efforts are undergoing, led by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
There is no internet or mobile connection in Dharali. Satellite phones were being given to rescuers.
Indian Air Force Chinook, Mi-17 V5, ALH, and Cheetah helicopters are on active standby at Chandigarh Air Base, ready to deploy with equipment and relief material as soon as weather conditions improve.
The Indian Army's Surya Command said troops from the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and are on-site, assessing the damage and conducting rescue operations.
Schools closed
The Uttarakhand government has declared holiday from class 1 to 12 and all anganwadi centres in the Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts.
The state's Department of Information and Public Relations, posted on X, "In view of the weather department's rain warning in Uttarakhand, a holiday has been declared for all schools from class 1 to 12 and Anganwadi centers in the state's Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts."
Govt assures help
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi expressed condolences to people affected by the flashfloods and assured that no stone is being left unturned in providing assistance.
"I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the
people," he wrote on X in Hindi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and ordered the dispatch of seven rescue teams to assist the affected people.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre and the state government are working in tandem, taking all possible measures to save precious lives.
"Have been seeing disturbing visuals from Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) on the devastation caused by flash floods. Praying for the well-being of the people affected by the tragedy...,"
he wrote on X.
The helpline numbers issued by the district administration are:
1. 01374-222126
2. 01374-222722
3. 9456556431
At least 100 people are said to have gone missing as many had gathered for the Har Dudh fair in Dharali village when the tragedy struck. The missing also include 11 soldiers, Defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Shrivastava said.
NDRF Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Mohsen Shahedi said a lake has formed in the higher area, but it is safe as the water is receding.
Another
On August 5, two cloudbursts, one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area, caused widespread destruction. Dharali is the primary stopover on the way to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges, and home to many hotels, restaurants, and home stays.
Due to a cloudburst, the
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Road in Bhatwari area damaged and vehicular movement affected after a cloudburst and flash flood in Uttarkashi's Dharali yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Ns9brBihB7
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
The incident occurred around 1.45 pm, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil.
Terrifying videos of the disaster showed waters from the flash floods gushing down a river, sweeping away hotels, homes, shops, trees, cars, and more. People were seen running for their lives.
Rescue operation
Rescue and relief efforts are undergoing, led by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and
VIDEO | Uttarkashi: Rescue teams reach near Bhatwari where the cloudburst incident occurred yesterday. They are waiting for the collapsed road to reopen to reach ground zero to begin their operations. More details are awaited.
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/ENS6pPNKA5
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 6, 2025
There is no internet or mobile connection in Dharali. Satellite phones were being given to rescuers.
Indian Air Force Chinook, Mi-17 V5, ALH, and Cheetah helicopters are on active standby at Chandigarh Air Base, ready to deploy with equipment and relief material as soon as weather conditions improve.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi cloudburst incident: Relief and rescue operations underway in Uttarkashi's Dharali, where a cloudburst incident took place yesterday.
(Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/MFYseqUozJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
The Indian Army's Surya Command said troops from the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and are on-site, assessing the damage and conducting rescue operations.
Schools closed
The Uttarakhand government has declared holiday from class 1 to 12 and all anganwadi centres in the Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts.
The state's Department of Information and Public Relations, posted on X, "In view of the weather department's rain warning in Uttarakhand, a holiday has been declared for all schools from class 1 to 12 and Anganwadi centers in the state's Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts."
Govt assures help
Prime Minister
"I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre and the state government are working in tandem, taking all possible measures to save precious lives.
"Have been seeing disturbing visuals from Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) on the devastation caused by flash floods. Praying for the well-being of the people affected by the tragedy...,"
The helpline numbers issued by the district administration are:
1. 01374-222126
2. 01374-222722
3. 9456556431
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