Dehradun — A devastating flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in the upper catchment of the Kheer Ganga river wreaked havoc in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, killing at least four people and leaving several others feared missing. The disaster caused widespread destruction to homes, roads, and commercial establishments in the mountainous region.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the fatalities and said damage assessment is ongoing. “A massive wave of flash flood hit the area. We are currently evaluating the extent of the damage to both life and property,” Arya stated.
The region, known for its guest houses, hotels, and homestays, bore the full impact of the sudden surge of water. Harrowing visuals from the site showed the floodwaters sweeping through Dharali village, reducing buildings to rubble and leaving behind mud and debris.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Multiple rescue teams have been deployed, including units from the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Additional reinforcements from the local tehsil administration and Public Works Department (PWD) have also reached the site.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take stock of the situation. He has directed the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the NDRF to intensify relief and rescue operations in the region.
Locals fear that 10 to 12 labourers may be trapped under the debris from collapsed structures, including hotels and homestays. In a related incident, 18 goats were swept away in the Banala Patti area of Barkot tehsil due to the overflowing Kud Gadhera stream.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Sharing his condolences, he wrote:
“उत्तरकाशी के धाराली में हुई इस त्रासदी से प्रभावित लोगों के प्रति मैं अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूं। इसके साथ ही सभी पीड़ितों की कुशलता की कामना करता हूं। मुख्यमंत्री पुष्कर धामी जी से बात कर मैंने हालात की जानकारी ली है। राज्य सरकार की निगरानी में राहत और बचाव की टीमें हरसंभव प्रयास में जुटी हैं। लोगों तक मदद पहुंचाने में कोई कोर-कसर नहीं छोड़ी जा रही है।”
(Translation: I express my condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi, and pray for the well-being of all victims. I have spoken with Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami to get updates on the situation. Under the state government’s supervision, rescue and relief teams are making all possible efforts to help. No stone is being left unturned to provide assistance to the affected.)
Rainfall Warning Remains in Effect
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, particularly in hilly areas, until August 10. Rescue teams from Harsil and Bhatwari have been rushed to the site as the administration races against time to locate and evacuate those who may be stranded or trapped.
As rescue operations intensify, the focus remains on saving lives and providing immediate relief to those affected by one of the most severe natural calamities the region has seen in recent times.
