UTTARKASHI, INDIA – At least four people have been confirmed dead and more than 50 are feared missing after a devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides in the Dharali village of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday.
The cloudburst, which occurred in the upper catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, caused a sudden and powerful surge of water and debris that swept through the high-altitude village. Horrifying visuals from the scene show a torrent of mud and water engulfing homes, shops, and hotels, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Initial reports suggest that as many as 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been completely washed away.
Authorities have launched a large-scale rescue and relief operation involving teams from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Rescue efforts are focused on locating survivors and evacuating people who may be trapped under the debris.
The disaster has also cut off road connectivity to Gangotri Dham, a key pilgrimage site, further complicating the rescue mission. A second cloudburst was reported in the Sukhi Top area of Uttarkashi, raising further concerns.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stated that relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a “war footing” and that the situation is being closely monitored.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the region until August 10.
