A massive cloudburst unleashed havoc in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village on Tuesday, triggering flash floods and a devastating debris slide. The disaster struck around 1:30 PM India time, swelling the Kheer Ganga river and sending torrents of muddy water through the hilly terrain. Roads, buildings, and shops in this popular tourist spot were engulfed, with dozens feared trapped under debris.
Dharali, located 2km from Harsil, is a bustling area with hotels, resorts, and restaurants catering to tourists. The sudden surge of water left little time for escape, according to eyewitnesses from a nearby village. They described a giant wave of muddy water coursing through streets, submerging structures and covering the ancient Kalpkedar temple in slush, likely damaging it.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed four deaths so far. “A massive wave of flash flood hit the area. We are assessing the extent of damage to life and property,” Arya told local media. Communication remains erratic due to poor connectivity in the region, complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed to the site. The Army, stationed at a nearby camp in Harsil, began evacuations despite heavy rainfall slowing progress. SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said their team, stationed 20km away, is en route to assist.
The Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority has reserved hospital beds in nearby facilities and AIIMS Rishikesh, with ambulances dispatched to the scene. A local festival was underway when the cloudburst hit, though tourist numbers were reportedly low.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences and assured Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of full central government support. “We are working to rescue the people,” Dhami said, as relief agencies were directed to act swiftly.
Visuals shared online show the scale of destruction, with debris slides sweeping away structures. Over 20 hotels and homestays in Dharali are believed to be affected. The region, 10km from the tourist hub of Harsil, remains under threat as heavy rains continue.
