A devastating cloudburst struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, Aug 05, triggering a powerful flash flood that swept away homes and livestock. Rescue operations are currently in progress.
Dramatic videos circulating on social media show torrents of water surging through the village, with residents screaming in fear as the deluge destroyed homes and infrastructure. Some visuals even captured buildings collapsing under the force of the floodwaters.
Initial reports suggest extensive property damage, with several people feared trapped beneath the debris. According to PTI, 10-12 individuals may be buried, and as many as 20–25 hotels and home stays are believed to have been washed away.
The Uttarkashi Police stated on X that the rising water levels of the Kheer Gadh stream in the Harsil region led to significant damage in Dharali. Teams from the police, SDRF, Army, and other disaster response forces have been deployed for urgent rescue and relief efforts.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has dispatched rescue units to the affected area. The Uttarakhand government has also called in the Indian Army to assist with operations.
Chief Minister Dhami Monitoring the Situation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the incident. Posting on X, he wrote: “The reports of severe destruction due to the cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) are deeply distressing. Relief and rescue operations by SDRF, NDRF, district authorities, and other agencies are underway at full speed. I am in constant touch with top officials and closely monitoring the developments. I pray for everyone’s safety.”
Army’s Ibex Brigade Joins Rescue Operations
The Central Command of the Indian Army confirmed that a massive mudslide hit Dharali in the Kheer Gadh area near Harsil, unleashing a surge of water and debris through the village. Troops from the Ibex Brigade were immediately dispatched and are now on-site conducting assessments and rescue work. The full scale of the damage is still being evaluated, with further updates expected as operations continue.
