In a tragic turn of events, torrential rains and two powerful cloudbursts unleashed catastrophic flash floods in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday afternoon (August 5, 2025). The disaster struck the Kheer Ganga river catchment, swallowing parts of Dharali village and lower Harsil region, leaving at least four confirmed dead, with over 50 feared missing, including 11 Indian Army personnel.
The sudden deluge, triggered around 1:40 PM, swept away hotels, homes, shops, and critical infrastructure including the helipad at the Harsil Army Camp. Over 20 hotels and 50 buildings were destroyed as massive waves tore through Dharali, a town perched 8,600 feet above sea level.
Dramatic rescue operations are underway, led by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities. More than 150 people have been rescued, while efforts continue amid landslides, blocked roads, and relentless rain. Colonel Harshvardhan of the 14 Rajput Rifles is heading the rescue with over 150 army personnel, assisted by drones, sniffer dogs, and heavy machinery.
Helicopters from the Indian Air Force, including CH-47 Chinooks, Mi-17s, and HAL Dhruv, have been deployed for aerial rescues and relief supply drops, weather permitting. The Uttarkashi-Harsil highway remains inaccessible due to landslides.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally inspected the rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation. The IMD has issued red alerts for heavy rainfall in several hill districts, raising further concerns.
Cloudburst, Climate Risks & Infrastructure Fragility
The disaster stems from two back-to-back cloudbursts at Dharali and Sukhi Top, sending torrents of water and debris into narrow valleys. The Kheer Ganga river quickly overflowed, demolishing large parts of Dharali’s market area — a vital stopover for Gangotri pilgrims.
Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain and fragile infrastructure heighten vulnerability to climate disasters, especially during the monsoon. This tragedy follows a string of extreme events, including the 2021 glacier burst in Joshimath, emphasizing the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.
Pilgrims Rescued, Operations Widen Across Region
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, 413 pilgrims stranded during the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra were safely evacuated. Back in Uttarakhand, over 150 individuals have been rescued from flash flood-hit zones, even as efforts to trace missing army personnel continue.
Call for Preparedness and Solidarity
This devastating incident is a stark reminder of nature’s power and the pressing need for disaster preparedness. The courage of rescue teams and local communities working tirelessly despite losing their own cannot be overstated.
As authorities ramp up aid and search operations, it’s imperative for all stakeholders to commit to sustainable development, risk-sensitive planning, and community-level preparedness in Himalayan states increasingly threatened by climate change.