Uttarkashi cloudburst and its aftermath flash floods, 5 August, 2025

Uttarkashi cloudburst and its aftermath flash floods, 5 August, 2025

On August 5, 2025, a devastating cloudburst event struck the Dharali village area of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India, triggering catastrophic flash floods and landslides, especially along the Kheer Ganga river.

Cloudburst and flash flood

• A sudden and intense downpour, a phenomenon often associated with thunderstorms, occurred in the high-altitude region of Dharali.

• The cloudburst led to a massive and rapid surge of water and debris, causing the Kheer Ganga river to swell significantly and overflow its banks.

• The flash flood tore through Dharali, a village near Harsil that is a key stopover for Gangotri pilgrims, sweeping away houses, hotels, and shops.

• Eyewitnesses described the devastation as unprecedented, with homes completely submerged or washed away.

Casualties and missing

• At least four people have been confirmed dead due to the flash floods.

• Over 50 individuals are reported missing or feared trapped under the debris.

• Local residents believe that 10 to 12 laborers might be buried under the debris, according to one YouTube news report.

Impact and damage

• The Dharali market has been severely affected, with numerous buildings damaged or completely washed away.

• Estimates suggest that 20 to 25 hotels and guesthouses may have been lost.

• Roads and other infrastructure have also suffered severe damage.

• The incident has raised fresh concerns about the growing frequency of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region.

Rescue and relief operations

• Rescue efforts are underway, involving a coordinated response from multiple agencies.

• Teams from the Indian Army, including the specialized Ibex Brigade, were quickly mobilized to the affected areas.

• According to The Hindu, the Army reached the village within 10 minutes and commenced operations, rescuing approximately 20 individuals.

• Specialized medical equipment, rescue tools, and doctors have been deployed to the site.

• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has dispatched three teams, with two additional teams on standby for airlift.

• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has also sent a 16-member team, with more personnel rushed from Matli.

• The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is also actively involved in the rescue efforts.

• The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police are overseeing the operations, according to The Indian Express.

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed concern and is closely monitoring the situation.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have also spoken to the Chief Minister, assuring central support for the relief and rescue efforts.

Second cloudburst and continuing threat

• A second cloudburst was reported at Sukhi Top, another tourist destination near Dharali, hours after the first incident.

• While there are no reports of casualties from this second event, it has led to rising water levels and posed additional challenges for the rescue teams.

• A red alert has been issued for Uttarkashi and several other districts for the next few hours, indicating a high possibility of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

• Residents in dangerous areas near the Bhagirathi River have been advised to evacuate due to the potential for further flash floods.

This detailed account illustrates the severity of the Uttarkashi cloudburst and the significant challenges faced by the affected communities and rescue teams. The ongoing rescue efforts, coupled with the threat of further extreme weather, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in the vulnerable Himalayan region.