A deadly cloudburst in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand caused a flash flood in Dharali village on 5 August 2025, leaving devastation in its wake. The flash floods demolished houses, shops, hotels and bridges and killed at least 5 people and more than 100 remain missing.
What Triggered the Flood in Uttarkashi?
The disaster was caused by two intense cloudbursts that happened early morning near Kheer Ganga river catchment area which is not far from Gangotri. In minutes, enormous volumes of water and debris flooded into Dharali and surrounding areas without warning for residents and many tourists.
Impact on Human Toll and Destruction
The impact from the flash floods was devastating and immediate:
At least 5 confirmed dead
More than 100 reported missing including 11 Army personnel
Entire hotels and entire local markets washed away
Many houses were buried in slush and debris
Roads to Gangotri Dham and Harsil Valley were blocked.
Residents described the flood as “a wall of water and boulders” that came crashing down the hills in seconds.
Rescue Efforts in Process Spot:
Rescue operations are currently underway from:
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
Indian Army and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs are being deployed to find survivors trapped under debris.
However, bad weather and continuous rainfall are slowing down the rescue process.
More than 130 people have been evacuated to safer locations so far.
Political and Official Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the affected region and is monitoring the situation from Dehradun.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern and assured all possible support.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged NDRF to accelerate rescue work and aid.
A Repetitive Disaster
This is not the first time Uttarakhand has seen a disaster of this magnitude. The state, an ecologically fragile zone within one of the largest mountain ranges in the world, is suffering the cumulative impacts of climate change, and in Uttarakhand, we are seeing these play out with increasing frequency and severity.
Harshil & Dharali Village Rescue Operations
Extreme weather events in Uttarakhand are characterized by:
- Cloudbursts
- Glacial lake outbursts
- Landslides
- Flash floods
Experts predict that climate change, deforestation, and unfettered building in eco-sensitive areas of Uttarakhand will lead to further extreme weather events with disastrous consequences.
READ ALSO: Landslides Disrupt Traffic in Himachal Kangra, Delay Supply of Goods
What is a Cloudburst?
Cloudbursts are intense, extreme rainfall events that result in more than 100 mm of rain within an hour over a small area. In steep hills of Uttarakhand, this intense rainfall can generate torrents of water that can lead to landslides and flooding.
Safety Advisory for Travelers
Travellers who were planning visit to Uttarakhand this coming weekend should:
Avoid the Gangotri and Yamunotri zones
Keep up to date on: weather information from IMD and SDMA
Do not visit river banks, trekking trails, and slopes of hills (during rain)
ALSO READ: Himachal Rain Fury: 170 Dead as Devastation Grows
Conclusion
The Dharali flash flood in Uttarakhand is a poignant reminder of the inherent vulnerability of places like Uttarakhand, and with continued rescue work underway, we have a responsibility to plan for the longer-term and provide a modicum of disaster preparedness. We urgently need to cede the development agenda and ensure future development will include the protection of citizens and their livelihoods against these extreme disaster events.
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Disclaimer:
This article compiles data from verified sources to inform readers about the Uttarakhand flash flood incident. While we strive for accuracy, actual counts and ongoing developments may differ. For real-time updates, rely on official channels like Uttarakhand Government alerts and national news agencies.
Sources:
Uttarakhand Cloudburst and Rescue Updates from Times of India and Hindustan Times
Disaster Impact & Missing Cases Reported by People.com and India Today
Scientific Explanation of Cloudbursts and Climate Context from The Guardian and News.com.au
