Uttarkashi Cloudburst Leaves At Least 4 Dead, Over 50 Missing; Rescue Operations Underway

A massive cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district killed at least four people on August 5, Tuesday. Over 50 people are also reported to be missing in the flash flood that hit Dharali village. Rescue operations are underway to locate and evacuate the missing people.

Uttarkashi Cloudburst Triggers Flash Flood Near Indian Army Camp

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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 major disaster struck Uttarakhand after a powerful cloudburst triggered a flash flood in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, which is located around 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harsil. As per a report by The Hindu, the cloudburst occurred around 1:45 pm and unleashed a surge of water and debris. Road connectivity to the Gangotri Dham was also cut off.

Uttarkashi Police, Uttarakhand, also confirmed the news on their X account. They wrote, “In Uttarkashi, due to the rising water level of Kheer Gad in the Harsil area, reports of damage in Dharali have prompted police, SDRF, army, and other disaster response teams to engage in relief and rescue operations at the site.” They also advised people to stay at a safe distance from the river and keep their children and livestock away.  

Frightening videos have been emerging on social media, showing houses being swept away by overflowing waters. The cloudburst happened near Kheer Ganga river. Reportedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have spoken to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured him of support in the rescue operations. At least four people have been confirmed dead, while over 50 are still missing.

Also Read: India Weather Update: IMD Issues Landslide Alert In Uttarakhand And Heavy Rainfall Alerts For Multiple States

NDRF, ITBP & SDRF Teams Present At The Disaster Site 

As per a report by The Hindu, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been deployed for rescue operations. A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is also present at the disaster site to oversee the ongoing rescue work.

The floodwaters not only swept away homes but also destroyed several shops, roads, hotels, and homestays. Many animals were also swept away in the flash floods. As per a report by The Times of India, around 10-12 locals might also be trapped under the debris.

Also Read: UP On High Alert: Floods Wreak Havoc In 17 Districts Including Varanasi & Kanpur; Death Toll Hits 12

Rescue operations are currently underway to locate the missing and evacuate those trapped under the debris. Authorities are awaiting further details on the incident.

Cover Image Courtesy: Uttarkashi Police Uttarakhand/ X