Uttarakhand Flash Flood: Cloudburst Triggers Widespread Destruction in Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi, August 5: A devastating flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst over the Khir Ganga river, wreaked havoc in Dharali village of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday. The deluge has resulted in significant loss of life and property.

According to reports by NDTV, at least four people have been confirmed dead, while around 50 individuals remain missing. The surging floodwaters, laden with heavy silt and debris, swept through the region, submerging homes and reportedly washing away nearly 50 hotels. Multiple villagers are feared trapped as relentless rain continues to batter the area.

BREAKING: Dehradun: Massive flood in the Khir Ganga river in Uttarkashi. Water carrying silt cascades into Tharali village. Many feared trapped. Disaster teams rushed. pic.twitter.com/wtXVrqYBzL

— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) August 5, 2025

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that the disaster followed an intense cloudburst in the region. Emergency response teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and local administrative units have been swiftly deployed to lead ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture. Suresh Semwal, speaking to CNN-News18, said, “The situation is extremely dire. Many hotels and houses have been completely washed away. People are climbing nearby hills to escape the rising waters. The rain is unrelenting, and the water level in the river is dangerously high.”

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and assured that operations are being conducted on a war footing.
“The news of the extensive damage caused by the cloudburst in Dharali is heartbreaking. SDRF, NDRF, the district administration, and other agencies are actively involved in relief and rescue missions. I am in constant contact with senior officials and am closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected,” Dhami said in an official statement.

Uttarakhand Minister Saurabh Bahuguna also commented on the calamity, stating, “It’s a deeply saddening incident. Our top priority is to rescue and safeguard the lives of those still trapped. Rescue teams are en route and fully mobilized.”

Authorities remain on high alert as heavy rainfall continues to hamper relief operations. The government has urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations and remain vigilant as the situation unfolds.