Uttarkashi, August 6 – Tragedy struck the serene heights of Uttarakhand’s Dharali village in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday as a massive flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst in the upper Kheer Ganga river catchment, swept through the area, leaving at least four people dead and many others feared trapped or missing.
The torrent of muddy water, debris, and rocks tore through homes, hotels, and shops, causing widespread destruction. The catastrophe unfolded in mere minutes, catching villagers and tourists off guard.
Raging Waters, Rising Fears
According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, the flood hit Dharali village with intense force, leading to severe damage to life and property. “A massive wave of flash flood hit the area. We are currently assessing the extent of the damage,” Arya said.
Dramatic visuals from the disaster zone show homes crumbling, roads washed away, and powerful currents dragging everything in their path. “Entire buildings have vanished. It looks like a war zone,” said one eyewitness, describing the post-flood devastation.
Local fears have grown as 10 to 12 laborers are believed to be trapped under layers of rubble and debris. Some hotels and homestays in the area, popular with trekkers and pilgrims, have been reportedly flattened.
Relief and Rescue in Full Swing
Immediately after the tragedy, search and rescue operations were launched. Teams from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been deployed.
“Given the presence of small guest houses and eateries in the area, we’ve dispatched sufficient rescue teams,” Arya confirmed. Personnel from the Tehsil office and Public Works Department (PWD) are already on the ground, working alongside disaster relief forces.
Top-Level Government Response
Taking swift note of the disaster, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and expressed concern over the destruction. Shah directed ITBP and NDRF to intensify their relief efforts in the worst-hit areas.
Both Harsil and Bhatwari have become critical response points, from where teams are being sent into the affected zones to locate and evacuate those stranded or buried beneath debris.
Wider Impact and Weather Woes
The devastating cloudburst has had ripple effects across the region. In the Banala Patti area of Barkot Tehsil, nearly 18 goats were swept away by the overflowing Kud Gadhera stream, adding to the toll of property and livelihood loss.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand until August 10, with particular caution advised in hilly regions. Officials fear further cloudbursts or landslides could make rescue efforts more dangerous and delay rehabilitation.
A Community in Mourning, A Race Against Time
Dharali village, known for its quiet charm and proximity to trekking routes like Kheer Ganga and Gangotri, now stands buried under layers of silt and sorrow. Survivors are reeling not just from the loss of life and homes, but the speed and fury of nature’s wrath.
“We have lost everything — our home, our shop, and our hopes,” said one villager as he stood near the remains of what used to be his family-run café.
Rescue teams are racing against time, hoping to find survivors before the forecasted rains complicate the already difficult terrain. The coming days will be crucial for both search operations and providing relief to displaced families.
