Uttarakhand Cloudburst: A cloudburst has caused devastation in Dharali, Uttarkashi. The Indian Army camp located in Harshil also got hit by the debris. 8-10 army soldiers are reported missing in this accident. A rescue operation is going on.
Uttarakhand Cloudburst: A massive flood caused by a cloudburst on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, caused horrific devastation in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Dharali market and surrounding villages were submerged due to sudden rise in water level in Kheer Ganga river. Many houses, hotels and homestays were destroyed in this natural disaster. At the same time, the Indian Army camp located in Harshil also came under the debris. 8-10 army personnel are reported to be missing in this accident. The soldiers of 14 Rajrif Unit posted in Harshil are engaged in relief and rescue work, despite the disappearance of their colleagues. Despite difficult conditions, about 20 people have been rescued. Also, the search for those who are missing is going on.
Army, NDRF and ITBP teams active in rescue operation
As soon as the information about the accident was received, teams of Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF and ITBP immediately started relief work. An army contingent consists of about 80 soldiers, who are engaged in evacuating people trapped in the debris. The Indian Air Force is also ready for rescue operations. The Air Force official said that Chinook, MI-17, Cheetah and ALH helicopters will leave for Dharali from Chandigarh and other airbases as soon as the weather clears. These helicopters will reach the affected areas with relief material and equipment. Apart from this, a special medical team of surgeons, anesthetists, physicians and orthopedic surgeons has also been sent to Dharali so that the injured can get immediate treatment.
More than 50 people are missing
According to the district administration, 5 people have died so far in this disaster, while more than 50 people are missing. Debris and flood water destroyed many shops, houses and hotels in Dharali market. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya said that due to cloudburst in Kheer Ganga river, water and debris suddenly came down, which turned the entire area into a lake. The landslide in Dharali, 4 km from Harshil, made the situation even worse. Local people and tourists are feared to be stranded.
Quick action by central and state governments
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the State Disaster Operation Center in Dehradun to take stock of the situation and held a meeting with senior officials. He expressed grief on social media and said that relief work is going on on a war footing. PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to CM Dhami to inquire about the situation and assured all possible help from the Center. President Draupadi Murmu also expressed condolences to the victims. The district administration has issued helpline numbers (01374-222126, 222722, 9456556431).
Weather department warnings and challenges
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a heavy rain alert for several districts including Uttarkashi on August 4. Due to the possibility of heavy rain on Tuesday too, rescue operations may face obstacles. Landslides in Netla are making it difficult to reach Dharali. The administration has appealed to people to maintain distance from the rivers and stay in safe places.
Dharali: A scene of devastation at the tourist spot
Dharali, a major tourist destination on the way to Gangotri Dham, is 7 km from Harshil and 79 km from Uttarkashi. This disaster turned the natural beauty of the area into devastation. Administration and army teams are engaged in evacuating the affected people and assessing the damage.
PC: Patrika
