A harrowing video has surfaced on social media, capturing the terrifying moments of a massive cloudburst and flash flood that struck Uttarkashi’s Dharali village on Tuesday. The visuals show the bone-chilling scene as people run for their lives, only to be swept away by a sudden and ferocious gush of water. The disaster has tragically claimed at least four lives, a number officials fear will rise.
The cloudburst, which triggered flash floods in the high-altitude villages, has left a trail of destruction and despair. As the powerful floodwaters, swollen with debris, ripped through the area, shocked locals in the video can be heard expressing their disbelief and fear. “Sab khatam ho gaya” (everything is over), one voice says, while another laments, “Pura yeh jo gaon hai, pata bhi nahi chal raha. Yeh humara market tha, pura barbaad ho gaya” (An entire village was here, which has now been washed away. Our market used to be here, everything has been destroyed).
The tragic incident was confirmed by Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, who stated that at least four people have been killed, though rescue operations are ongoing and the final count is not yet known. The swift and destructive nature of the floods has made it difficult for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage and loss of life.
The Central government has taken immediate note of the dire situation. Home Minister Amit Shah has confirmed that three teams from the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) and four teams from the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) have been dispatched to the site to assist with rescue and relief operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the tragedy, stating on X that he had spoken with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. “Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,” the Prime Minister’s post read. The focus remains on a coordinated effort to find the missing and provide support to the affected communities.
