A devastating cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand has triggered massive flash floods, claiming the lives of at least 10 people and leaving more than 100 feared missing. The disaster, which struck on Tuesday, has caused widespread destruction, washing away dozens of buildings, including hotels and homestays, and leaving a trail of panic in its wake.
The incident occurred in Dharali village, located near Harshil, a key stop on the route to Gangotri Dham. According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, continuous heavy rainfall in the hilly region intensified into a disaster after a cloudburst in the Harsil area. This led to a sudden and dangerous rise in the water level of the Khir Ganga stream, which then brought a torrent of debris-laden floodwaters down the valley.
The deluge caused significant damage in the Dharali–Khir Ganga area. Initial reports from the ground suggest that approximately 20 to 25 hotels and homestays have been swept away by the powerful currents. Authorities also fear that 10 to 12 laborers may be trapped under the rubble, with frantic rescue efforts now underway to locate them.
In a post on social media platform X, local police issued a warning to residents and tourists. “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. In view of this incident, everyone should maintain a safe distance from the river. Ensure that you, children, and livestock are kept at a safe distance from the river,” the post read.
Prompt action has been taken by disaster management teams. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Revenue Department, and Army disaster response units have been deployed to the site and have launched extensive rescue and relief operations. The focus is on searching for the missing and providing assistance to those affected by the calamity.
The disaster has highlighted the extreme vulnerability of the region to natural calamities, especially during the monsoon season. Locals believe the cloudburst occurred somewhere upstream in the Khir Ganga’s catchment area, triggering the destructive flash flood that has brought fear and sorrow to the community.
