Uttarakhand cloudburst: Another body recovered from debris in Dharali, death toll mounts to 5; rescue op hit due to bad weather
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami reached Uttarkashi on Wednesday and conducted an aerial survey and said that around 190 people have been rescued so far after flash floods devastated the region.
"Dharali has completely come under the grip of the disaster. And after yesterday's incident, debris has come there in several phases, like today. When I went there and met all the people, talked to them and got information about the incident, they told me that it came first, then again came three, four, five or six times. In this way, debris came repeatedly and everything there became a victim of the disaster," he said
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Rain lashes parts of Chamba, Tehri Garhwal. pic.twitter.com/P5nljG7dUn
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | Portion of a road collapses at Maniri in Uttarkashi, restoration work underway pic.twitter.com/5QdAbUO67H
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
The Uttarkashi-Harsil road in Ganganani of Uttarkashi district has been completely washed out due to flashfloods triggered by the cloudburst
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Due to a cloudburst, the Uttarkashi-Harsil road in Bhatwadi has been completely washed out. The road towards Harsil was completely blocked the entire night.
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
Dharali, where the cloudburst incident took place yesterday, is 50 km away from here. pic.twitter.com/mMiph62GCM
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday met the families of those affected by the cloudburst in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, and assured them of full government support during this time of crisis.
“This disaster has caused immense grief to several families — we understand their pain,” Dhami said. “Our government stands firmly with all those affected. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing. Our top priority is to locate every missing person and ensure complete support to the affected families.”
A 28-member group of tourists, who are natives of Kerala, has gone missing after a cloudburst triggered massive mudslides in Uttarakhand
The death toll in Dharali cloudburst has reached 5 after one more body was recovered from the debris. A 150-member Army team is leading the rescue and relief efforts even as incessant rain hindered operations.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "All our agencies, including the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF and locals, are doing the rescue work. 130 people were rescued yesterday. A search and rescue operation is underway. Due to damage to the roads and a bridge, it has become difficult to reach the spot. The Disaster Operations Station in Dehradun is working 24 hours to provide all possible assistance. We are putting in efforts to rescue everyone safely. I want to thank PM Modi for providing every possible assistance. PM Modi took the details of the rescue operation today as well..."
The ancient Kalp Kedar temple was also buried in the debris brought over by the flash flood in the Kheer Ganga river on Tuesday.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Due to a cloudburst, the Uttarkashi-Harsil road in Bhatwadi has been completely washed out. The road towards Harsil was completely blocked the entire night.
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
Dharali, where the cloudburst incident took place yesterday, is 50 km away from here. pic.twitter.com/mMiph62GCM
The army, ITBP, NDRF and SDRF have been deployed at the site, with rescue operations under way. Three ITBP teams have reached the location. Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 Rajput Riffles, has been personally leading a 150-member rescue and relief operation in Uttarakhand since August 5.
To intensify the ongoing rescue operation, additional Army columns have been deployed along with tracker dogs, drones, logistic support, and earthmoving equipment.
Road in Bhatwari area damaged and vehicular movement affected after a cloudburst and flash flood in Uttarkashi's Dharali yesterday.
Torrential rains have wrecked Uttarakhand in past 24 hours, triggering a wave of landslides that have blocked more than 100 roads, including crucial national highways, and severely disrupted the annual Char Dham Yatra.
Mohsen Shahedi, DIG, NDRF says, "The incident took place around 2 pm in Harsil town. Three teams of NDRF were sent to the spot. There are 35 members in each team, and they are well-equipped to rescue the people trapped there. According to the initial reports, around 40-50 houses have been washed away, and more than 50 persons are missing... A large-scale rescue operation will have to be carried out there..."
A man crawls through the mud.
— Yash Tiwari (@DrYashTiwari) August 5, 2025
Another runs as voices scream, “Bhago! Bhago!”
Panic. Desperation. Survival.
20 lives reportedly lost in the Tharali, Uttarkashi floods.
Many still missing.
Praying for strength to those who made it,
And peace to those who didn’t. ????… pic.twitter.com/bccZ1PPQb4
Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Brigade Commander, says, "Today, at about 1345 hours, a mudslide and a cloudburst hit Dharali village. The Indian Army column located at Harshil Post was the first to respond and reach the village within 10 minutes, and commence rescue operations. The column has about 150 personnel with specialised medical equipment, rescue equipment and doctors and is engaged in rescuing the villagers. Till now, around 20 villagers have been rescued, and the injured are getting treatment. Subsequently, another mudslide and cloudburst hit the Army camp in Harshil..."
उत्तरकाशी धराली कस्बे में.... pic.twitter.com/m9fMAjBPLg
— atulsati joshimath (@atulsati1) August 5, 2025
On the cloudburst in Uttarkashi district, District Magistrate Prashant Arya says, "...Due to the cloudburst, a lot of water has come down at the same time. There are many restaurants and hotels there. Army teams have been sent to the spot. I have been informed that four persons have lost their lives. We are leaving for the spot..."
खीर गंगा की बाढ़ से हर्षिल हेलीपैड के क्षेत्र में जल भराव हो गया है।
— Shailendra Prasad (शैलेंद्र गोदियाल) (@shailly_godiyal) August 5, 2025
उत्तरकाशी के निचले हिस्सों में बाढ़ का खतरा बन सकता है। भागीरथी के किनारे लोगों को सतर्क रहने की जरूरत है।@JagranNews @pushkardhami @narendramodi #dharali #harshil pic.twitter.com/cHfma9Q9bw
इस क्लोज अप वीडियो से समझें उत्तरकाशी में कितनी बड़ी तबाही हुई है और लोगों को वक्त तक नहीं मिला बचने का!
— Narendra Nath Mishra (@iamnarendranath) August 5, 2025
pic.twitter.com/5id63N5Th2
Another cloudburst has hit the Sukhi Top area near Dharali in Uttarkashi, according to the district administration. In response, an ITBP team has launched search and assessment operations in the Harsil region.
बद्रीनाथ राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग (NH-58) पर पागलनाला एवं भनेरपानी के पास मलबा आने के कारण मार्ग अवरुद्ध हो गया है।
— Chamoli Police Uttarakhand (@chamolipolice) August 5, 2025
मलबा हटाने एवं मार्ग सुचारु करने का कार्य प्रगति पर है। pic.twitter.com/mc56KhGEk8
A landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil, at around 1.45 pm today. Responding with urgency, the Indian Army mobilised 150 personnel who reached the site within 10 minutes and immediately commenced rescue operations. So far, 15–20 individuals have been successfully evacuated, with the injured receiving prompt medical treatment at the Indian Army medical facility in Harshil. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to locate and evacuate any remaining stranded persons. The situation is under continuous monitoring, and the Indian Army remains fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected civilians: Indian Army
Road has been blocked due to debris near Paagalnala and Bhanerpani on Badrinath National Highway (NH-58). The work of removing the debris and making the road smooth is in progress: Chamoli Police, Uttarakhand
Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Before and after picture of Dharali in Harsil, which has been hit by a cloudburst
— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025
Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Commissioner of Garhwal Division, are monitoring the situation at the State Disaster Operations Centre… pic.twitter.com/bkXKH59Ac2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take stock of the situation following the devastating cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy and prayed for the well-being of all victims.
“I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation,” he wrote.
PM Modi assured that relief and rescue operations are being carried out under the supervision of the state government and that every possible effort is being made to support the affected people. “No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,” he added.
PTC Web Desk: A cloudburst on Tuesday triggered massive flash floods in the high-altitude village of Dharali, located en route to the sacred Gangotri Dham, leaving at least four persons dead and several others missing, according to initial reports.
Dharali, a key stopover for pilgrims and tourists with several hotels, restaurants, and homestays, bore the brunt of the disaster as raging waters swept through the village, destroying homes and infrastructure. Initial reports suggest that nearly half of the village was washed away.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya said an Army team from Harsil had been deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Locals reported that the flash flood followed a cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying wall of water, mud, and debris rushing down the mountain slopes, engulfing everything in its path.
Disturbing visuals shared on social media show torrents of muddy water coursing through the village, demolishing houses, roads, and vehicles. Shouts of fear and chaos can be heard as residents scramble to escape the deluge.
The village, which typically hosts around 20–25 hotels and homestays catering to tourists and pilgrims, has suffered extensive damage, with many establishments completely destroyed.
Relentless monsoon rains have continued to batter the region for the fifth straight day, hampering rescue efforts and heightening concerns for those still unaccounted for. Authorities are coordinating with SDRF, NDRF, Army, and ITBP teams to carry out search and relief operations in the affected area.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "I have been informed about a cloudburst incident in Dharali of Uttarkashi... We are working to rescue the people. Officials from the district administration, Army, NDRF, SDRF are trying to rescue people and save them..."
????
उत्तरकाशी, हर्षिल क्षेत्र में खीर गाड़ का जलस्तर बढने से धराली में नुकसान होने की सूचना पर पुलिस, SDRF, आर्मी आदि आपदा दल मौके पर राहत एवं बचाव कार्य में जुटे हैं।
उक्त घटना को देखते हुए सभी नदी से उचित दूरी बनायें। स्वयं, बच्चों व मवेशियों को नदी से उचित दूरी पर ले जायें। pic.twitter.com/tAICzWQUzc — Uttarkashi Police Uttarakhand (@UttarkashiPol) August 5, 2025
"A massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gadh area near Harsil, triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement. Troops of Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold," said Indian Army.
A landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil, at around 1:45 PM today. Responding with urgency, the Indian Army mobilised 150 personnel who reached the site within 10 minutes and immediately commenced rescue operations. So… pic.twitter.com/L7Z1OQrCc7 — ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025
In response to the devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi, a 16-member team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has also arrived at the affected site to support ongoing rescue operations.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also mobilised three teams—one each from Maneri, Batkot, and Dehradun. Additionally, two more NDRF teams are on standby at the Shastradhara airstrip, ready for airlift if required.
Providing an update on the situation, SDRF Inspector General Arun Mohan Joshi stated, “As soon as we received information about the incident, our nearest SDRF team was immediately deployed to the site. Two more units are en route. Rescue operations are being conducted in a coordinated manner, with NDRF and Army teams also joining the efforts.”
He added that specialised equipment from the SDRF battalion headquarters is being dispatched to aid in the rescue efforts. “Whether it's the Army, ITBP, or NDRF, all agencies are working together on the ground to ensure swift and effective rescue operations,” he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X, "Spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi) to gather information about the event. Three nearby ITBP teams have been sent there, and four NDRF teams have also been dispatched to the site, which will soon arrive and engage in rescue operations."
In a separate weather-related incident on Tuesday morning, cloudbursts and intense rainfall in Banala Patti of Badkot tehsil led to the flooding of Kud Gadhera stream. Around 18 goats were swept away in the deluge, sparking panic among locals as the stream overflowed.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning, forecasting continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand until August 10. Rohit Thapliyal, Director of the Meteorological Centre, said intense spells were expected especially in the hilly regions.
As a precautionary measure, schools in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, and Haridwar districts remained closed on Tuesday due to safety concerns posed by the incessant rains.
- With inputs from agencies
