Uttarkashi: A sudden flash flood triggered by relentless rainfall swept through Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand on Tuesday afternoon, claiming at least four lives and leaving over 60 people missing in its wake. The disaster unfolded in Dharali, a scenic town perched 8,600 feet above sea level, near the Kheer Ganga river.
The deluge struck with little warning, submerging the town’s market and residential zones under surging waters and thick sludge. Eyewitness footage captured harrowing scenes as torrents of muddy water surged through narrow lanes, tearing through buildings, tossing vehicles, and sweeping away people. Cries of alarm echoed through the town as residents urged each other to flee to higher ground.
Local authorities have confirmed that at least 25 structures—including hotels, guest houses, and private homes—have been completely destroyed. The district administration has estimated that 60 to 70 individuals remain unaccounted for, either missing or trapped beneath debris.
Army Launches Rescue Mission Amid Difficult Conditions
In response to the crisis, the Indian Army quickly mobilized 150 troops under the leadership of Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of the 14 Rajputana Rifles (RAJRIF). Military personnel, along with tracker dogs, drones, and heavy equipment, have been working around the clock to assist with evacuations and deliver critical supplies.
The Indian Air Force has also been pressed into service, with MI-17 and Chinook helicopters conducting aerial surveys and search-and-rescue missions to locate stranded survivors.
Despite continuing rain and dangerous terrain, rescue teams resumed operations early Wednesday morning, focusing on Dharali village, which was particularly hard-hit. Nearly half the village lies in ruins, buried under mud and debris. So far, no bodies have been recovered from the rubble, though four deaths have been confirmed.
Strategic Importance of the Affected Area
Dharali serves as a key stop on the route to Gangotri, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India and the origin of the sacred Ganga River. The destruction of the town has disrupted not only local life but also travel and religious tourism in the region.
Authorities have evacuated approximately 130 people to safer locations as efforts continue to locate the missing. The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, and officials fear the toll may rise as rescue teams clear more debris in the coming days.
Government Monitoring Situation Closely
State and central disaster response teams remain on high alert, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stating that all possible resources are being deployed to assist in relief efforts. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority. We are coordinating closely with the Army, NDRF, and local administration to ensure swift rescue and support,” he said in a press briefing.
As Uttarakhand reels from this latest natural calamity, authorities urge residents in high-risk zones to stay alert and follow safety advisories as weather conditions remain unstable.
