A powerful cloudburst near Dharali village caused flash floods that killed four and left several army personnel missing in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, August 6, 2026: The sudden cloudburst near Dharali village in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, which triggered devastating flash floods on Tuesday afternoon, has left at least eight to ten Indian Army personnel missing, four people confirmed dead, and several others feared missing, while causing widespread destruction in the region.
On X users have tweeted that nearly 60 people are reported missing, and at least 50 hotels are believed to be submerged or washed away. Locals have climbed to higher reaches to save their lives. The incident happened due to a sudden increase in the water levels, and it is still raining in the region.
The cloudburst occurred at approximately 1:45 pm in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River, located just 4 kilometers from the Indian Army camp at Harshil, a strategically important base near the Indo-China border and a key station along the route to the sacred Gangotri shrine.
READ: Flash Flood Devastates Uttarkashi Village; Four Dead, Dozens Missing
According to army sources, the cloudburst unleashed a surge of water and debris that engulfed nearby terrain and structures with little warning. “There was hardly any time to respond. The floodwaters reached areas near the camp within minutes,” said a senior officer familiar with the incident.
Army Camp and Villages Affected
Reports indicate that eight to ten soldiers from the Harshil camp are currently unaccounted for, though official confirmation of casualties is awaited.
The Indian Army swiftly mobilised 150 personnel to conduct search-and-rescue operations, focusing initially on locating missing soldiers and civilians. Within ten minutes of the disaster, army teams were on the ground with equipment and medical supplies.
In a statement, the Indian Army said:
“The situation is under continuous monitoring, and the Indian Army remains fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected civilians and personnel. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing with full force.”
Local residents said the cloudburst caused a rapid rise in water levels, washing away parts of roads, small bridges, and structures near Dharali. The village, known for its hotels, homestays, and pilgrim facilities, serves as a key stopover for thousands heading to Gangotri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
The visuals emerging from Uttarakhand are heartbreaking. Heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the devastating flash flood. May we find the strength to support one another as we work towards relief and recovery in the days ahead. pic.twitter.com/rRfupzNrNI
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) August 5, 2025
Government Response and Relief Operations
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the situation as “extremely sad and distressing.” In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing.”
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The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed, with helicopters on standby for aerial reconnaissance and emergency evacuation.
As of late Tuesday evening, multiple civilians have been rescued, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Initial reports suggest extensive loss of property, damage to roads, and disruptions in communication lines in remote areas.
Recurring Pattern of Disasters
This incident underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Himalayan states like Uttarakhand, which are particularly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts due to their fragile ecosystem and heavy monsoon rains.
In recent years, similar disasters — such as the Kedarnath tragedy in 2013 and the Chamoli glacier burst in 2021 — have raised alarms about the safety of both military and civilian settlements in ecologically sensitive zones.
Authorities have urged tourists and locals in higher Himalayan zones to exercise caution as heavy rains continue in parts of Uttarakhand. Rescue operations remain ongoing through the night, with the army, paramilitary, and local administration working in coordination.
