Uttarakhand News: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh faced devastating flash floods on Tuesday after a massive cloudburst triggered destruction in several villages, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and trapping dozens of people.
Disaster Strikes Dharali Village
The worst-hit area was Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Located on the route to Gangotri, Dharali is a popular stop for pilgrims and tourists. Around 1:50 AM, a cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River unleashed a torrent of muddy water, slush, and debris.
The sudden flood buried half the village, destroying multi-storey houses, hotels, and homestays. Eyewitness videos show buildings collapsing like a “pack of cards” as people screamed for help.
Casualties and Missing Persons, 4 people have been confirmed dead so far. At least 11 Indian Army jawans from an army camp in Harsil are missing. Several others are feared trapped under rubble and mud.
Wider Impact Across the Region
The floodwaters split into two directions — one towards Dharali and the other towards Sukki village. Heavy rains and landslides have also been reported from Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, where a bridge over the Tanglig drain was washed away.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Rescue teams from the Army, Police, NDRF, and SDRF are on the ground. Additional NDRF teams from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have been airlifted to assist.
Helpline Numbers: 01374-222126, 01374-222722, 9456556431
Uttarakhand News: Government Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and ordered seven rescue teams to the disaster zone. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured that the Centre and state are working together to save lives and provide relief.
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About Cloudbursts in the Himalayas
Cloudbursts are among the deadliest natural disasters in the Himalayan region, releasing over 100 mm of rain within an hour over a small area. The intense downpour, combined with steep terrain, often leads to sudden flash floods, landslides, and widespread destruction.