Village washed away after a huge cloudburst

By Sagaya Fernando | August 6, 2025

Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, INDIA: A massive cloudburst over Dharali village in Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods on Tuesday (August 5), killing at least four people and leaving dozens feared missing. The deluge, which struck around the Kheer Ganga river, swept away homes, hotels, and people, causing large-scale devastation in the high-altitude town situated 8,600 feet above sea level.

Video footage shared by locals captured terrifying scenes of gushing muddy waters engulfing everything in their path. Eyewitnesses described it as a nightmare — reminiscent of the Kedarnath floods of 2013 and the 2021 Rishiganga disaster.

Rescue operations resumed early Wednesday (August 6) as torrential rains continued to lash the region, complicating relief efforts. Teams from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers have so far rescued over 130 people from the flood-hit zone.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing Despite Challenges

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the affected site and surveyed ongoing high-intensity rescue operations. “All our agencies are on the ground. Despite damage to roads and bridges, we are doing everything to rescue people and ensure their safety,” he said, adding that the Dehradun Disaster Operations Station is working round-the-clock.

The Indian Army has deployed 150 personnel led by Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF. Army drones, tracker dogs, earthmoving machinery, and MI-17 and Chinook helicopters are being used to support the search and rescue efforts in the worst-hit areas, including Harsil.

NDRF Deploys Cadaver Dogs for the First Time

In a first, the NDRF has deployed cadaver dogs to locate bodies feared buried under slush and debris. A pair of specially trained dogs is being airlifted from Delhi to aid the recovery mission. In addition, three NDRF teams — each comprising 35 rescuers — have been dispatched to the disaster zone, while two more teams are on standby at Dehradun airport.

“Cadaver dogs will help locate those buried, giving closure to grieving families. Live rescue dogs are also deployed to find possible survivors,” an NDRF official said.

Dharali: A Village in Ruins

Dharali, a scenic Himalayan village and a key stopover en route to the sacred Gangotri, has been reduced to rubble. Nearly half the village was flattened by the flash flood, and search operations are ongoing amid challenging terrain. So far, no bodies have been recovered from the debris.

Local residents are reeling from the trauma. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” said a 60-year-old eyewitness. “Everything is over,” cried a man in one of several harrowing videos circulating online, showing floodwaters overtaking people attempting to flee.

Climate Crisis and Unchecked Development Under Scrutiny

The tragedy has once again ignited debate over unchecked construction and environmental degradation in the fragile Himalayan region. Climate activist Harjeet Singh, founding director of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, said the incident should be a final wake-up call.

“This is a deadly cocktail — global warming is intensifying rainfall, while reckless construction, hill-cutting, and choking rivers are destroying our natural defences,” Singh said. He called for a moratorium on all large-scale infrastructure projects in sensitive hill zones and urged the government to launch a National Mission for Climate Resilience.

Weather Alerts and Helplines Issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, particularly in the hill districts. Residents have been advised to remain alert and avoid vulnerable areas.

The Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre has issued emergency contact numbers:

01374-222126 / 01374-222722 / 94565-56431

As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating the missing and restoring connectivity to remote areas. With memories of past disasters still fresh, the Dharali cloudburst serves as a grim reminder of nature’s fury and the urgent need for sustainable development in ecologically sensitive regions.