A flash flood in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village has triggered devastation on a massive scale, toppling buildings, submerging around 50 hotels, and sending
panic across the Himalayan region. With the Amarnath Yatra officially cancelled due to adverse weather conditions and the monsoon’s fury showing no signs of abating, tourists and pilgrims are being strongly advised to avoid high-risk areas in North India.
Flash Floods In Uttarakhand
Shocking visuals from Dharali village, located in the Harsil region of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, show gushing waters destroying everything in their path. Homes were washed away in seconds, and terrified residents were seen fleeing for their lives. The Khir Ganga river’s sudden swelling due to cloudburst-like conditions has caused irreversible damage to property and raised fears of casualties.Areas Travellers Should Avoid
Uttarkashi District, UttarakhandEspecially Dharali, Harsil and nearby riverbank settlements. Rescue ops are ongoing, but the area remains volatile and dangerous due to debris and unstable terrain.
Char Dham Route
Rain-triggered landslides and flash floods have been frequently reported across parts of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Pilgrims are advised to postpone their yatra.
Amarnath Yatra Route
The authorities had prematurely concluded the Amarnath Yatra 2025, cutting short its duration by a week, due to severe weather conditions and damage to the pilgrimage tracks caused by heavy rains along the Jammu and Kashmir terrain.
Riverbank Villages in Himachal, Uttarakhand Hill Stations Like Nainital, Dehradun
With water levels rising in most Himalayan rivers, regions near Kullu, Mandi, and other hill towns are also experiencing landslides and cloudbursts. Heavy rainfall continued to batter Uttarakhand, leaving three dead in Haldwani due to swollen streams. A landslide buried two shops in Rudraprayag. The Met Department had issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain in Nainital, Champawat, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Pauri, and Dehradun till Tuesday.
Official Advisory and Rescue Updates
- The Indian Army, SDRF, NDRF, and state authorities have been deployed to assist with rescue in Uttarkashi.
- Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that relief teams are working around the clock to clear debris and rescue those trapped.
- Uttarkashi Police has urged all residents and tourists to maintain distance from rivers, especially Kheer Ganga, and to keep children and livestock safe.
Travel Tips If You're Heading North
- Avoid non-essential travel to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir until further notice.
- Stay updated with IMD alerts, weather apps, and official disaster management handles on social media.
- Postpone or reroute your plans if you were heading for treks, pilgrimages, or adventure sports in these areas.
