At least four people are dead, several remain missing, and dozens of buildings have been washed away as twin cloudbursts struck Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand
on Tuesday, unleashing flash floods and large-scale destruction. Here are the top 10 developments from the unfolding tragedy: 1. Twin Cloudbursts Trigger Widespread Havoc Two cloudbursts — one in Dharali and another at Sukhi Top — struck the Uttarkashi district in the early hours of Tuesday, unleashing flash floods, mudslides, and a trail of destruction on both slopes of the same hill. Dharali, en route to the Gangotri pilgrimage site, faced the worst impact. 2. Death Toll At Four, Several Missing Officials have confirmed four deaths so far, with many people feared trapped or missing. Among those unaccounted for are 11 Army jawans from a camp in Harsil, which was also hit during the deluge. There is no official count yet of the total number of missing persons.
3. Over 20 Hotels, Guesthouses Washed Away
Locals and officials estimate that 20–25 hotels and guesthouses may have been swept away in Dharali alone. The entire local market, along with several residential structures, has been reported “completely swept away” by the torrent.
4. 70 Rescued In Challenging Conditions
Despite heavy rainfall and rugged terrain, rescue personnel from the Army, SDRF, and local police managed to rescue 70 people by midnight on Tuesday. Three NDRF teams were deployed immediately, and more have since been airlifted from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
5. Kalp Kedar Shiva Temple Buried Under Debris
The ancient Kalp Kedar temple, a significant spiritual site built in the Kature style and resembling Kedarnath, was buried under debris following the cloudburst in the Kheer Ganga catchment area. The temple, discovered in 1945, was located partially underground and was a popular pilgrimage spot.
6. CM Dhami Leads Relief Efforts, Red Alert In Place
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, who cut short his Andhra Pradesh visit, is personally monitoring relief efforts. “Operations are being carried out on a war footing,” he said. A red alert remains in effect in Uttarkashi district as the region braces for more rain.
7. PM Modi, Amit Shah Assure Full Central Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and support, saying he had spoken to CM Dhami to take stock of the situation. Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the immediate deployment of NDRF and ITBP teams, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said all possible measures are being taken to save lives.
8. Key Infrastructure Damaged, Roads Blocked
Floodwaters caused significant damage to roads and communication lines. In Chamoli, the road leading to the India-China border was blocked at two locations near Raini village after it caved in. Restoration of power and connectivity remains a top priority for authorities.
9. Rispana River Swells Amid Incessant Rain
In Dehradun, the Rispana River swelled dangerously due to continuous rainfall following the cloudbursts. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels as forecasts warn of further precipitation across the state.
10. Helplines Activated, Neighbouring States Also Hit
The Uttarakhand government has issued emergency helpline numbers (01374222126, 01374222722, 9456556431) for people in distress. Flash floods and cloudbursts were also reported in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, where a bridge over the Tanglig drain was washed away.
The India Meteorological Department describes a cloudburst as an extreme rainfall event — over 100 mm in an hour across 20-30 sq km — often accompanied by strong winds and lightning. With climate change intensifying such disasters, experts warn that Himalayan states may see more frequent and deadly events in the years ahead.
