Horrific visuals from Uttarakhand’s flood-hit Dharali show panicked residents screaming as gushing waters level homes and sweep away entire structures. Rescue operations continue amid fears of rising casualties.
BY PC Bureau
August 5, 2025: A sudden cloudburst over the Kheer Ganga catchment near Harsil triggered a catastrophic flash flood and landslide, obliterating large parts of Dharali village in Uttarkashi district. In minutes, homes, roads, hotels, and shops were swept away by a raging torrent of water, mud, and debris—turning a once-bustling settlement into a ruin.
At least four people have died, and local reports suggest that around 10 to 12 individuals are feared trapped beneath the rubble. Some estimates place the number of missing at 30. The floodwaters tore through the village with terrifying speed, collapsing buildings and terrifying residents. Social media is flooded with haunting footage of panicked screams, destroyed homes, and roads turned into rivers. Many of the affected areas had been catering to Gangotri-bound pilgrims.
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Dharali, a vital stop on the route to Gangotri Dham, was home to around 20–25 hotels and homestays, many of which have now been flattened. In nearby Banala Patti, Barkot, reports indicate that at least 18 goats were swept away by flash streams, reflecting extensive loss to livestock and property.
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उत्तरकाशी, हर्षिल क्षेत्र में खीर गाड़ का जलस्तर बढने से धराली में नुकसान होने की सूचना पर पुलिस, SDRF, आर्मी आदि आपदा दल मौके पर राहत एवं बचाव कार्य में जुटे हैं।
उक्त घटना को देखते हुए सभी नदी से उचित दूरी बनायें। स्वयं, बच्चों व मवेशियों को नदी से उचित दूरी पर ले जायें। pic.twitter.com/tAICzWQUzc
— Uttarkashi Police Uttarakhand (@UttarkashiPol) August 5, 2025
Rescue operations are underway. Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, Uttarakhand Police, and the Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade from Harsil have been deployed. They are using sniffer dogs, earthmovers, and the help of local villagers to search for survivors. District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed casualties and praised the rapid coordination of emergency teams.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the event “distressing” and stated that he is closely monitoring the situation. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) that rescue and relief work is being carried out on a war footing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also promised full central support and directed NDRF and ITBP teams to the site.
💔 Massive Tragedy in Uttarakhand 💔
A powerful cloudburst hit Dharali village near Gangotri Dham in Uttarkashi around 1:45 PM on 6th August 2025, triggering a devastating mudslide and flash flood. 🌊 Homes were swept away within seconds, and over 60 people are feared missing. 😢… pic.twitter.com/eIjJpZP0sq— υяvι (@Urvi535318) August 5, 2025
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall until August 10. High-altitude districts, including Uttarkashi and Chamoli, are at particular risk of additional flash floods and landslides.
This tragedy again highlights Uttarakhand’s extreme vulnerability to intense weather events. The fragile hill terrain, combined with limited early warning infrastructure, has repeatedly placed communities at risk. As the region reels from yet another climate-induced disaster, questions are being raised over preparedness and resilience.
Connectivity remains severely disrupted, with roads buried or washed away. Rescue teams continue to comb through debris under worsening weather conditions. The coming days will be critical for both recovery efforts and averting further catastrophe in the region.
