Uttarakhand is once again reeling under the fury of nature as a devastating cloudburst struck the Dharali village of Uttarkashi district on August 5, 2025. The disaster triggered catastrophic flash floods and landslides, leaving at least four people dead and more than 50 missing. The powerful cloudburst occurred around 1:45pm near the Kheer Ganga river catchment area, overwhelming the region and washing away homes, hotels, and vital infrastructure.
Scenes of Havoc in Dharali, Uttarkashi
Eyewitness accounts paint a terrifying picture: “Everything from hotels to markets has been destroyed... I haven’t witnessed a disaster like this before.” Videos from the ground show torrents of water carrying debris through the village, sweeping away entire properties while panic-stricken residents fled for their lives. More than 20-25 hotels and homestays are feared buried or swept away.
Rescue and Relief: Army, SDRF, NDRF on War Footing
The flash floods have cut off all road connectivity to the renowned Gangotri Dham, further complicating rescue operations. Multi-agency teams—including the Indian Army, SDRF, NDRF, and police—were swiftly deployed. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police were among the first responders, rescuing at least 15 people even as heavy rainfall and blocked roads hampered relief efforts.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated:
"The news of heavy destruction caused by the cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) is extremely saddening. SDRF, NDRF, district teams are working on a war footing. I pray for everyone’s safety."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally assured the state of all possible support. Amit Shah wrote:
“Three nearby ITBP teams have been sent to the location, and four NDRF teams have also been dispatched. They will reach soon and begin rescue operations.”
Widespread Impact and Ongoing Monsoon Threat
The cloudburst at Dharali is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather buffeting Uttarakhand this monsoon:
- Earlier in the week (July 31), a cloudburst around Kedarnath triggered landslides, damaging the walking path and stranding over 150-200 pilgrims, with more than 9,000 rescued from near the shrine route.
- Heavy rains have led to flooding in several other districts, forcing the regional meteorological center to issue a red alert for further rainfall and possible landslides.
- Relief operations continue at multiple locations with both state and central agencies working round the clock to provide food, water, and medical aid to those affected.
LATEST: What’s Next for Uttarakhand?
The situation remains tense as rain continues to lash the region and search and rescue efforts race against time to find missing persons in Uttarkashi and safely guide pilgrims in Kedarnath. Key travel routes to sacred sites like Gangotri Dham remain blocked, and authorities are urging people to stay away from rivers and unsafe slopes until the all-clear is given.
Stay tuned for further updates as Uttarakhand faces this tragic chapter with resilience and hope. #uttarkashi #cloudburst #uttarakhandflood #kedarnath #uttarakhandnewstoday #uttarkashidharali
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