A devastating cloudburst struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on August 5–6, 2025. The flash flood swept away homes, shops, hotels, and bridges along the Kheer Ganga River, leaving nearly 100 people feared missing and at least four confirmed dead. Rescue operations by SDRF, NDRF, the Indian Army, and local authorities are ongoing.
Many people are feared missing are a major cloudburst struck a village in Uttarakhand on Tuesday,
Key Highlights:
- Cloudburst-triggered flash flood hits Dharali village in Uttarkashi
- Over 100 villagers feared missing; buildings and infrastructure washed away
- Rescue teams deployed in full scale; bridge and roads destroyed
- IMD issued a heavy rainfall warning prior to the disaster
- Government announces ex-gratia compensation
Disaster Strikes Dharali: What We Know So Far
Heavy rainfall caused a sudden surge in the Kheer Ganga River, triggering flash floods that engulfed Dharali village. The rapid destruction severed road access and cut off communications.
“Due to the rising water levels in Kheer Gadh in Dharali, Uttarkashi, reports of damage have been received in the Dharali market area. Police, Fire department, SDRF and Army … are engaged in relief and rescue operations at the scene.”
— Uttarakhand Police in an official advisory
The site depicts submerged structures, collapsed bridges, and stranded residents being rescued by military and disaster response teams. Makeshift camps have been established for displaced villagers.
Rescue Operations Underway
Teams from SDRF, NDRF, the Indian Army, and local police are conducting search and rescue missions using drones, sniffer dogs, and life detection equipment. Over a dozen people have been evacuated; many are injured.
A temporary passage via Harsil has enabled aid convoys and rescue teams to access the affected zone. IAF helicopters (Chinook, Mi‑17, ALH, Cheetah) remain on standby to support missions once conditions permit.
“The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing.”
— CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on X
Government Response and IMD Alert
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced ₹4 lakh ex-gratia aid for the deceased and has convened meetings with district magistrates to coordinate relief efforts. Emergency relief camps are being set up, with food, water, and medical aid dispatched to remote communities.
The IMD had issued a red alert for “extremely heavy rainfall” in Uttarkashi, Tehri, Chamoli, and Pauri Garhwal on August 4. In Dehradun, schools and Anganwadi centres were closed proactively; authorities are working to ensure alerts reach remote mountainous zones.
Safety Advisory
Locals are cautioned to avoid riverbanks and steep terrain. Travel is discouraged in landslide-prone zones until further notice. NGOs and volunteers are mobilized to assist with supply delivery to disconnected areas.
What Happens Next?
Based on reports from Times of India, Hindustan Times, People.com, and others:
- The Indian Air Force has placed Chinook and Cheetah helicopters on active standby for emergency deployment if required .
- At least 8–10 Army personnel are still missing, and search operations continue even as their own units lead rescue efforts .
- The Uttarakhand disaster relief helpline 9456556431 has been issued for affected residents to seek assistance or report missing persons .
- Infrastructure restoration—including power lines, communication networks, and roads—is underway; helipads have been activated at Harsil and Jhala for aerial relief distribution.
- Given ongoing rainfall predicted until August 10, authorities are prioritizing early evacuation, rehabilitation shelters, and damage surveys before rebuilding .
Stay Updated
Follow official live updates from NDTV for ongoing developments:
👉 NDTV Uttarkashi Cloudburst Live Updates
FAQs
What caused the Uttarkashi cloudburst?
A sudden, intense downpour in the Kheer Ganga catchment triggered flash floods and landslides, overwhelming settlements in Dharali, Uttarkashi.
How many people are missing?
Over 100 individuals are currently missing. Among the missing are 8–10 Army personnel from a camp in the lower Harsil area.
What relief efforts are underway?
Rescue and aid efforts are led by SDRF, NDRF, Indian Army, and local authorities. Temporary shelters, medical aid, and emergency funds are being deployed.
Was there a weather warning?
Yes. A red alert for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand districts, including Uttarkashi, was issued on August 4 by the IMD.
What’s the next phase of response?
Authorities will focus on continued rescue, building shelters, infrastructure restoration, livestock assessment, and damage surveys. They remain vigilant amid forecasted heavy rain until August 10.
