In a devastating turn of events, Uttarkashi Dharali village was pummeled by flash floods and a massive debris slide after a powerful cloudburst struck the region on Tuesday. The natural disaster has claimed at least four lives, with over 50 people reported missing, as rescue operations race against time to locate the survivors.
The cloudburst triggered a violent torrent of water and debris that swept through Uttarkashi Dharali village, destroying houses, shops, and hotels. The village, located just 10 kilometers from the popular tourist destination Harshil and close to the sacred Gangotri Dham, was caught completely off guard. Authorities confirmed that no prior evacuation was conducted, and the area—though elevated—was heavily populated with commercial establishments.
Disturbing visuals filmed by tourists captured the sheer force of the disaster—raging water gushing down the slopes, tearing through concrete structures, markets, and forest cover. Eyewitnesses described the scene as apocalyptic. “Everything from hotels to markets has been destroyed… I haven’t witnessed a disaster like this before,” said one local resident.
The Indian Army, along with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, have been mobilized to the disaster zone. Road connectivity to Gangotri Dham has been cut off, further complicating rescue and relief operations. According to District Magistrate Prashant Arya, the full extent of property loss is still being assessed, but initial reports suggest “severe damage.”
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events. As multi-agency teams continue their efforts to reach the stranded and missing, the nation watches in hope for more survivors and prays for the affected families.