Uttarakhand Flash Flood in Dharali: 4 Dead & Over 50 Missing

Uttarakhand Flash Flood in Dharali: 4 Dead, 50 Missing After Cloudburst Disaster

On August 5, 2025, a devastating cloudburst struck the Kheer Ganga catchment area in Uttarkashi district, leading to a massive flash flood that destroyed large parts of Dharali village. At least four people lost their lives, and over 50 people are still missing. The floodwaters swept away homes, markets, and more than 20 hotels and homestays, leaving behind destruction and despair.

Disaster Timeline: What Happened?

The initial cloudburst occurred at around 1:45 PM near the Kheer Ganga river, followed by another near Sukhi Top. These back-to-back cloudbursts triggered sudden and fierce flooding, giving residents barely any time to react. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud crashing sounds as entire buildings were swept away by the water and debris within minutes.

Extent of Damage

• Approximately 20–25 hotels and homestays were either fully destroyed or swept away.
• Multiple residential buildings, shops, and parts of local infrastructure were reduced to rubble.
• In nearby Barkot tehsil, 18 goats were reported swept away in a separate incident due to the same rainfall system.

Rescue and Relief Operations

Rescue operations were launched within minutes. The Indian Army's Ibex Brigade from Harsil, along with the SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, and local authorities, began search and rescue efforts in the flooded area. More than 150 rescue personnel are currently involved in the operations.

As of the latest update, 15 to 20 people have been rescued and are receiving medical aid at relief camps in Harsil. Dozens more are still unaccounted for, and the terrain remains difficult to access due to landslides and debris blockages.

• The central government has sent additional rescue teams, including four NDRF and three ITBP units.
• Emergency helpline numbers have been issued: 9456556431 and 0137‑4222126/222722.
• Efforts are also underway to restore road connectivity and power supply in the region.

Response from Leaders

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow and assured citizens that rescue and relief work is being carried out on a "war footing". He is monitoring the situation closely and said that no resources will be spared to help the affected people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been briefed and extended full support from the Centre.

IMD Alert and Weather Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarkashi and nearby areas until August 10, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from riverbanks and hilly terrains during this period. Tourists have been strongly advised not to visit pilgrimage routes and trekking zones such as Gangotri and Harsil.

Root Causes and Environmental Concerns

Experts have linked this tragedy to changing climate patterns and poor land management. The combination of excessive rainfall due to climate change and unregulated construction in fragile Himalayan zones creates a recipe for disaster. Urbanization without proper planning has made the region more vulnerable to floods and landslides.

History of Floods in Uttarakhand

This disaster adds to a long list of catastrophic floods in the region. In 2013, more than 6,000 people died in the Kedarnath floods. In 2021, a glacial burst in Chamoli district killed over 80 people. The region remains highly sensitive to extreme weather events and requires long-term sustainable policies to prevent such incidents in the future.

Key Statistics

• Date: August 5, 2025
• Location: Dharali Village, Uttarkashi District
• Confirmed Dead: 4
• Missing: 50+
• Buildings Destroyed: 20–25 hotels, numerous homes and shops
• Authorities Involved: Army, SDRF, NDRF, ITBP
• Alert Level: Red alert issued by IMD

What Citizens Should Do

• Stay tuned to local alerts and government announcements.
• Evacuate low-lying or river-adjacent areas immediately.
• Avoid trekking, sightseeing, and travel in flood-prone zones.
• Report any missing persons or damage to the nearest police or disaster response unit.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy and share them with neighbors and relatives.

Relief Support and Donations

Multiple NGOs and disaster relief agencies have mobilized food, clothing, medicine, and temporary shelter supplies. Citizens across India are contributing through verified donation campaigns. Relief centers in Harsil and Uttarkashi are distributing ration kits and providing mental health support to affected families.

Road to Recovery

The full scale of damage will take days to assess. Engineers are evaluating structural risks in nearby villages while road-clearing teams work nonstop to restore critical routes. Power lines, mobile networks, and water supplies are being prioritized for restoration.

Despite limited resources and the challenging terrain, the combined efforts of the armed forces, government, and local volunteers are slowly bringing hope back to the devastated region.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call

The Dharali flash flood is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities of mountain ecosystems in the face of climate change and human interference. As rescue operations continue, it is crucial to rethink development models in ecologically sensitive zones. Prevention, preparedness, and sustainable planning must guide future growth in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan regions.