Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre has issued the following emergency numbers: 01374222126, 01374222722, 9456556431 A 28-member group of tourists, who are natives of Kerala, has gone missing after a cloudburst triggered massive mudslides in Uttarakhand, family members said.

Uttarkashi flash floods highlights: Rescuers retrieve two bodies in flood-hit Dharali; at least 190 rescued

As the sun set over the flood-ravaged Himalayan village of Dharali with 190 people rescued and two bodies recovered on Wednesday (August 6, 2025), fears mounted for those still trapped under the massive river of sludge that buried scores of houses, trees and cars.

Four people are suspected to have been killed in the disaster that struck the ecologically fragile area on Tuesday (August 5, 2025) afternoon.

Two bodies were recovered on Wednesday (August 6, 2025) and 15 are missing, Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said.

Read more:

​

Uttarkashi floods: 150 rescued, four dead, 50 missing in Dharali flood; rescue operations underway amid incessant rain and landslips.

Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre has issued the following emergency numbers: 01374222126, 01374222722, 9456556431

Following the cloudburst triggered by flash floods in Uttarkashi's Dharali region in Uttarakhand earlier in the week, 16 persons from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district remain untraceable, according to Jalgaon Collector Ayush Prasad.

Providing an update on the situation, Prasad said, “It has been reported that 19 people from Jalgaon district are in Uttarkashi, of which contact has been established with three people. Contact has not yet been made with 16 people.”

He added that both the Maharashtra government and Jalgaon district administration are actively coordinating with the Uttarakhand government and Uttarkashi district authorities to trace the missing individuals.

-ANI

The authorities have held back the fourth batch of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims at Dharchula base camp in Pithoragarh district after a road to a higher altitude point was hit by heavy boulders and debris owing to bad weather, sources said on Wednesday.

The batch consists of 48 members, including 14 women pilgrims, from various parts of the country who have to stay put at Dharchula now. They were expected to reach Gunji on Wednesday, and only after a rest of two nights, they were supposed to proceed further towards Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh Pass.

“It could take five hours to clear the road after the work starts,” KMVN base camp in-charge Dhan Singh Bisht said, adding the batch would leave for Gunji only after the road clears.

“As boulders are continuing to fall down, the BRO personnel are not in a position to restore the route. The work could only be started when the shooting of boulders stops,” said Bisht.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra organised by the Ministry of External Affairs began in June and will end in August, according to the Ministry of External Affairs portal.

-PTI

A portion of a road collapsed at Maniri in Uttarkashi on Wednesday. Meanwhile, as many as 11 injured army personnel have been airlifted to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Hospital located in Matli area of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, said police.

-ANI

In view of heavy rains, all government, non-government, and private schools from classes 1 to 12, along with all Anganwadi centres, will remain closed in the Uttarkashi district on Thursday.

Uttarkashi administration, which issued the order, said that there is a prediction of more rain on August 7.

“According to the weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department, Dehradun on August 6, 2025, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall and extremely heavy rainfall (red alert) at some places in the district on August 6 and lightning/heavy spell of rain with thunder at some places on August 7,” the order said.

“Due to rain in the district, the water level of rivers and streams is rising and footpaths and roads are affected, along with cloudburst, landslides in some areas and from the point of view of mitigation and management of possible disasters, it is necessary to take necessary measures for the safety of school students. Therefore, keeping the above in mind, using the powers conferred by Section 22 (H) of the Disaster Management Act-2005, holiday is declared on 07 August, 2025 (Thursday) in all government, non-government, private schools (classes 1 to 12) and Anganwadi centers operating in the district. Ensure immediate compliance of the said order,” it added.

-ANI

Around 190 people have been rescued from Dharali following a devastating cloudburst that triggered massive flash floods and landslides in the area, with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), along with ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, BRO and local volunteers engaged in a joint rescue and relief operation to search the missing.

The rescue and relief operations in the affected areas are in full swing.

-ANI

d05fd690-f9c6-40ea-8a66-95dd25ec01a9.jpg

ee327947-c9e3-467e-99c2-e23cc7a57a8a.jpg

Restoration efforts by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are underway on two critical axes in Uttarakhand — Uttarkashi-Dharasu-Gangotri and Joshimath–Malari, both severely impacted by recent landslides and a devastating cloudburst, said a statement by BRO.

On the Joshimath–Malari Road, Project Shivalik teams have been swiftly mobilised with heavy machinery, working determinedly to restore connectivity despite challenging conditions, the statement added.

Uttarkashi-Dharasu- Gangotri axis, slide debris has been cleared at Heena, Tekhla, Netala, Nalupani and Narendra Nagar. Major clearance is in progress at Dharali, where 300m of muck is being removed and at Papadgad (Km 202), where 110m of road formation has been washed away and 60m has sunk.

At Limchigad (Km 214.05), an 80-foot bridge has been washed out and formation breaches are reported at Km 198.

JCBs, excavators, wheel loaders and tippers are actively deployed across affected locations. BRO teams continue round-the-clock efforts to restore vital lifelines and support civil administration, the statement added.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today wrote to his counterpart in Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, offering his government's assistance and support to those affected by the cloudburst in the north Indian state.

In his letter, the CM said that Kerala will stand with the victims of the natural disaster, a statement issued by his office said.

Mr. Vijayan also said that the people of Kerala will support the rescue and relief operations and that his government was ready to provide all necessary assistance.

He also drew Mr. Dhami's attention to the media reports about some Kerala people being stranded close to the disaster-hit area and requested that the Kerala government be informed about their status as soon as information about it became available.

The CM also urged his counterpart to take all necessary action to ensure the safety of the stranded Kerala people.

- PTI

The rescue team recovered the second body of the four people who were announced dead in the cloudburst.

Two bodies were recovered on Wednesday and 15 are missing, Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said.

- PTI

In the wake of a cloudburst in the Dharali region of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, the Maharashtra Government has launched a mission-level response to ensure the safety and safe return of stranded tourists from the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has taken steps by reaching out to Uttarakhand's Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar and Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Nilesh Bharne, urging immediate assistance for Maharashtra-based tourists.

“Our foremost priority is to ensure that every tourist returns home safely and their families are assured of their well-being,” said Pawar. He appealed to the families of the stranded to avoid panicking.

Among the stranded are 51 tourists, including 11 from the Nanded district and 40 from other parts of Maharashtra. The State Government is in continuous contact with the tourists and is actively coordinating with Uttarakhand authorities to provide all necessary assistance.

AIIMS Rishikesh Director Meenu Singh said the cloudburst in Uttarkashi's Dharali is heartbreaking.

“We have made beds and other arrangements for all the patients who will come to AIIMS. Our nursing staff, doctors have been informed to take care of the patients...” she added.

- ANI

Watch the video:

The Uttarakhand Health Department has taken charge on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Health department teams have reached ground zero, and treatment of the injured has been started on the spot. Soon, other medical teams will also get involved in relief work.

Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said that the Health Department has taken quick and concrete steps amid the challenge of the Dharali disaster.

Arrangements have been made in the hospitals, teams are active at ground zero, and aspects like mental health are also being taken seriously.

Under the leadership of CM Dhami, the Health Department is fully prepared to deal with every situation.

- ANI

On the second day of destruction in Uttarkashi due to cloudburst, SDRF continues the rescue operation.

Watch the video.

Several structures have been reduced to rubble, and the area remains severely affected.

The Indian Army today intensified the rescue and relief operations in Dharali cloudburst-affected region.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said 190 people have been rescued so far after the flash floods.

- ANI

Search and rescue work by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and other agencies is underway.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief and offered condolences to the victims following a devastating cloudburst and the subsequent mudslide in Uttarakhand, which killed at least five people.

In a post on X, Mr. Naidu said, “Deeply saddened by the devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, which has claimed lives and left many missing…I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the safe return of those still missing.” YSRCP supremo Reddy said he was deeply shocked by the devastating floods in Uttarakhand.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time,” said Mr. Reddy in a post on X.

- PTI

Politicians across party lines on Wednesday expressed grief at the devastation caused by flash floods in Uttarkashi, with a Congress lawmaker claiming that the tragedy was a direct consequence of the widening of roads, done under the Centre's Char Dham Yatra highway project.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed the incident “extremely tragic” and urged for long-term preventive planning.

“Every year, whether it's Himachal, Uttarakhand, or Wayanad, we are witnessing such disasters. We need a comprehensive strategy for prevention. In Wayanad, we saw how the administration and political parties came together to plan early evacuation,” she told reporters inside the Parliament complex.

“If we can do it there, why not everywhere?” she added.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said it was time to revive socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia's call to save the Himalayas and its rivers.

“Not just Uttarakhand, but the entire hill region is repeatedly witnessing such large-scale destruction. We all need to come together and work in that direction,” he said.

“Heart-wrenching,” said Kangana Ranaut, the BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi.

“Our pahadi people are living in constant fear. When nature unleashes such fury, you can only bow your head and pray. We hope relief efforts go swiftly, and the government has assured full support,” said the actor-politician.

- PTI

Commanding Officer of 14 Rajputana Rifles, Colonel Harshvardhan, leading the rescue operations after a mudslide in Uttarakhand's Harsil, said that more than 70 people were rescued on Wednesday morning.

Speaking to ANI, Col Harshvardhan said that the Indian Army established crossings from Sharali to Mukhwa and Harsil and rescued 70 to 80 civilians.“Morning, we established contact and created a crossing from Dharali to Mukhwa village and also a crossing to Harsil. Members of the civil administration and police were also moved to Harsil safely this morning. 70-80 civilians have been rescued and brought to the army camp. This is in addition to the 100 people who stayed at the camp during the night,” Col Harshvardhan said.

He said that several routes are cut off and there is no mobile network in the affected areas.

- ANI

The Indian Air Force has swung into action in response to the flash flood in Harsil which has isolated the valley.

“Mi 17s and ALH Mk-III, at Bareilly are on high alert and An-32s, C-295s, from Agra, have landed at Dehradun for the misson in the affected areas. Air Force stations at Agra and Bareilly were activated during the night for loading relief and rescue material along with preparing the IAF and Indian Army, for the rescue missions,” IAF said.

Continuous heavy rainfall has caused the water level of the River Ganga to rise significantly at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, with water seen touching the idol of Lord Shiva at the ashram's Aarti Sthal.

An employee at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Pankaj Kumar Dwivedi, said that the cloudburst in Uttarkashi on Tuesday led to the water level rising above the danger mark.

- ANI

Following continuous heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, roads on the NH-34 highway between Uttarkashi and Gangotri have been damaged, according to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). A 100-meter stretch at Papadgad was washed away, and large debris blocked the road near Dharali.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to repair the damage despite the ongoing rain and difficult conditions.

Chief Minister Dhami told the Prime Minister that the state government is engaged in relief and rescue operations with full readiness. Due to continuous heavy rains, difficulties have arisen in some areas, but all concerned agencies are working in coordination to provide quick assistance to the affected people.

- ANI

As many as 51 tourists from Maharashtra, stranded in Uttarkashi district, are safe, the state government said on Wednesday, a day after flash floods wreaked havoc in Dharali village in Uttarakhand.

The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) stated that 11 tourists are from the Nanded district, and the remaining 40 are from various other districts of Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra government is coordinating with the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority and the Uttarkashi District Disaster Management Centre to ensure assistance and safe evacuation of the tourists.

- PTI

A 28-member group of tourists, who are natives of Kerala, has gone missing after a cloudburst triggered massive mudslides in Uttarakhand, family members said.

Of the 28 individuals, 20 are reportedly from Kerala settled in Maharashtra, while the remaining eight are from various districts in Kerala, a relative of one of the couples in the group told the media.

“They said they were leaving from Uttarkashi to Gangotri at around 8.30 am that day. The landslides occurred along that route. We have been unable to contact them since they left,” she said.

She added that the Haridwar-based travel agency, which arranged the 10-day Uttarakhand tour, was also unable to provide any update on the group's whereabouts.

- PTI

About 150 people have been rescued from Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, struck by flash floods a day ago, even as 11 army troops remain missing, an NDRF officer said on Wednesday.

In Himachal Pradesh, 413 pilgrims stranded along the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route were rescued.

- PTI

​​​

The Rescue operations are ongoing at the Uttarkashi cloudburst site involving ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and BRO teams. According to the official, 150 people have been rescued so far.

Detailing about the rescue operation, Mohsen Shahedi, DIG, NDRF, said, “Teams of ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and BRO are carrying out rescue operations at the spot. Around 150 people have been taken to safe spots. Our three teams are on the way and they will reach the spot as soon as the road reopens. Our teams in Pant Nagar, Gauchar and Joshimath are on standby. They will be sent once the weather improves.”

ANI

The water level in the River Ganga on Wednesday rose to near the danger mark in Uttarakhand's Haridwar following continuous rainfall, Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department Vikas Tyagi said.

The Irrigation Department official said that the Indian Meteorological Department has issued an alert in the State.

“It is the rainy season, and an alert has been issued by the Meteorological Department. It is raining in 11 districts of Uttarakhand, which has also affected the water level of the Ganga River in Haridwar. Yesterday, its level was around 293, which is the warning level here, and today it has risen to near the danger mark. However, it has not yet reached the danger mark. But with the way it is raining, it will remain close to the danger mark today,” Vikas Tyagi told ANI.

ANI

One body has been recovered from the Dharali flood site.

Over 130 people have been rescued so far.

Rescue operations have been resumed since morning, and CM Dhami has been monitoring the operations.

The Uttarakhand CM surveyed an ongoing high-intensity rescue operation involving the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and local residents, where 130 people have already been saved.

Despite challenges from damaged roads and a bridge, the Dehradun Disaster Operations Station is working round-the-clock to ensure safety.

“All our agencies, including the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF and locals, are doing the rescue work. 130 people were rescued yesterday. A search and rescue operation is underway. Due to damage to the roads and a bridge, it has become difficult to reach the spot. The Disaster Operations Station in Dehradun is working 24 hours to provide all possible assistance. We are putting in efforts to rescue everyone safely,” he said.

ANI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a disaster management meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to assess the cloudburst and flash flood in Uttarkashi's Dharali.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone and inquired about the recent natural disaster in the Dharali area of Uttarkashi district.

The Prime Minister also took stock of the updated status of relief and rescue operations, an official release said.

Chief Minister Dhami told the Prime Minister that the State government is engaged in relief and rescue operations with full readiness.

ANI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived at the Joshiyada helipad in Uttarkashi. The Chief Minister is assessing the areas affected by the recent flashflood.

The Uttarakhand CM surveyed an ongoing high-intensity rescue operation involving the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and local residents, where 130 people have already been saved.

Despite challenges from damaged roads and a bridge, the Dehradun Disaster Operations Station is working round-the-clock to ensure safety. CM Dhami expressed gratitude for PM Modi's continued support and oversight.

- ANI

The Indian Army has deployed 150 personnel, led by Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF, in rescue and relief operations amid a mudslide in Harsil in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi.

Army tracker dogs, drones and earthmoving equipment have been deployed for evacuation and providing essential supplies since Tuesday.

ANI

Heavy rain continued to pound Uttarkashi as rescuers resumed their operations on Wednesday in Dharali, searching for flash flood victims amid the rubble.

Nearly half of the picturesque Dharali village was ravaged by the flash flood on Tuesday afternoon.

The village is the main stopover on the way to Gangotri, from where the Ganga originates Four deaths have so far been confirmed in the flash flood, which followed a cloudburst. Around 130 people have been evacuated to safety.

Not a single body has yet been retrieved from the rubble.

The Indian Army has deployed its MI-17 and Chinook helicopters to look for the stranded.

PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party's Tehri Garhwal MP, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, on Tuesday informed that roads are blocked in some places and rescue teams are on their way after a cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods in the Harsil area of Uttarkashi district,

“This incident is even bigger than the one which took place in 2013. Help from the centre and the state is being sent. Rescue teams are also on the way, but it is taking time because the roads are blocked in some places, it is an unfortunate incident,” the BJP MP told ANI.

Meanwhile, the BJP's Hardwar MP, Trivendra Singh termed it as a “tragic” incident

“It's a tragic incident; the visuals that we saw are horrifying. There is an expectation of major loss, but it could have been worse. A fair was held near the Dharali village, which attracted many people, and as a result, many were able to save their lives. We still don't know the death toll, The NDRF team has gone there, and the SDRF team has already reached there,” he told ANI.

Heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging in various parts of Haridwar on Tuesday. Due to the rising water level of the Ganga River, police appeal to people to stay away from the ghats and exercise caution.

-ANI

At least 8-10 Indian Army personnel reported missing from a camp in the lower Harsil region. Despite its own people missing in the incident, Indian Army troops are engaged in relief operations, according to Indian Army officials.

The Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF have been deployed to the site, with rescue operations underway. Three ITBP teams have reached the location, and four NDRF teams are en route.

-ANI

Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, who returned from Andhra Pradesh in the wake of the disaster, headed straight to the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun, where he has been coordinating relief and rescue efforts along with senior officials of the administration, police and others. He said restoring electricity was a top priority and was being taken up on a war footing.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured us that the central government will help us in every way. Home Minister has also assured us, and I thank him too,” CM Dhami said while speaking to ANI.

“Our effort is to ensure that all types of services are available there. The electricity department and our Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam are working together there. Restoring electricity is also our priority. It will be done by tonight. Along with this, the towers have also been affected. Due to the connectivity issues, phone and internet facilities have been disrupted there, so we are taking immediate action. The people who are facing this natural disaster, the government is standing with them. The government will provide all kinds of support to all of them...” he said.

-ANI

Northern Railways said that a boulder came on the track between the Haridwar-Motichur section on the Haridwar-Dehradun route, and traffic will be restored as early as possible.

Northern Railways issued a statement, “Between the Haridwar-Motichur section on the Haridwar-Dehradun route, a boulder came on the track. Since the Railways had already made a canopy, no major damage took place. No injury or casualty reported. Restoration work started, and the sectional officers have reached the site. Traffic will be restored as early as possible.

-ANI

Over 130 people have been rescued so far, according to the Uttarakhand government officials.

The weather department has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across the state, especially in the hill districts.

-ANI

The ancient Kalp Kedar temple here was buried in the debris brought over by the flash flood in the Kheer Ganga river on Tuesday.

The temple remained buried under ground for many years, possibly due to a previous disaster, with only its tip visible over ground.

Built in the Kature style, the architecture of the Shiva temple is similar to that of Kedarnath Dham.

-PTI

The Uttarakhand government, in view of the rain warning in the state, and the prevailing disaster situation in the Uttarkashi district has declared holiday from class 1 to 12 and all anganwadi centres in the Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts.

-ANI

Top Uttar Pradesh leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday expressed concern over the cloudburst in Uttarakhand and prayed for the well-being of the people of the hill state.

“The unfortunate incident of a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region of Uttarakhand is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal Ji for the well-being of the people affected by this accident,” Adityanath posted on X in Hindi.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on X, “The devastation that occurred in Dharali, Uttarkashi, is primarily due to the mistreatment of nature by some selfish individuals.

“Our demand is that rescue and relief operations be carried out on a war-footing and every possible effort be made to save people's lives. Every single life is precious,” Yadav said, adding, “Environmental protection is the guarantee of life preservation.” BSP chief Mayawati said

-PTI

The NDRF has decided to deploy its first-ever team of cadaver dogs to help locate those feared dead in the cloudburst incident in Uttarakhand, official sources said on Tuesday.

A pair of these dogs will be airlifted from Delhi even as three teams of the force, comprising 35 rescuers in each, have been rushed to the incident site from various locations in the state.

Two more National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are awaiting airlift from the Dehradun airport, they said.

A senior officer of the federal contingency force said that cadaver dogs are being deployed in Uttarkashi to find bodies possibly buried beneath debris and slush, to ensure that the families of the victims can get closure.

In addition to cadaver dogs, regular dogs that can sniff and detect survivors buried under mud and slush are also being deployed, he said.

- PTI

“Everything is over” -- a victim is heard saying in one of several disturbing videos which surfaced online after a cloudburst led to flash floods today in the Himalayan village of Dharali in this district, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

In a horrific video of the incident, some people were seen running and screaming to save their lives from the floodwaters coming close on their heels and finally swallowing them.

In another, a man is seen trying to walk through the slushy waters but being unable to.

The massive devastation brought back horrific memories of the 2013 deluge in Kedarnath and the Rishiganga disaster of 2021.

- PTI

Climate activist and founding director, Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, Harjeet Singh, said in a statement that the devastating loss in Uttarkashi must be a final wake-up call.

“This tragedy is a deadly cocktail: Global warming is super-charging our monsoons with extreme rain, while on the ground, our own policies of cutting hills, unscientific, unsustainable, and reckless construction, and choking rivers for so-called ‘development' are destroying our natural defences,” he said in the statement.

“Are we not engineering our own disasters? How long can we continue with reactive apologies after each preventable tragedy? We need a fundamental shift in our approach to development, disasters, and climate policy,” the statement said.

He demanded an immediate moratorium on all large-scale construction in these fragile Himalayan zones, adding that call for the urgent creation of a National Mission for Climate Resilience must be made.

150 personnel were led by Col Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF, in critical rescue and relief operations after devastating mudslide at Kheer Gad, Dharali.

Despite being cut off and unit's base of the unit adversely affected, and 11 personnel feared missing, the team continues to operate with unwavering determination, the statement by PRO of Defence in Dehradun, Lt Col Manish Shrivastava said.

20 people have been rescued so far. Torrential rain and collapsed connectivity haven't deterred their resolve to safeguard every civilian, the statement added.

At least 8 Army soldiers missing from a camp in lower Harsil; Army continues relief efforts even as search for its personnel is underway.

Saurabh Trivedi reports.

Here is an infographics, by PTI, of the flashflood in the high altitude villages of Dharali on the way to Gangotri.

ITBP in coordination with other agencies rescued 37 villagers (22 men, 11 women and 4 children) rescued and safety evacuated to ITBP BOP Kopang. All the rescued villagers were given first aid.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has held a meeting with the officials at the State Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun.

He took stock of the situation following the cloudburst.

- ANI

Watch this live video by CM Dhami:

Tehri Garhwal MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah said that the cloudburst is even bigger than the one which took place in 2013.

“Help from the centre and the state is being sent. Rescue teams are also on the way, but it is taking time because the roads are blocked in some places... It is an unfortunate incident...” she added

- ANI

Around 40-50 houses have been washed away, and more than 50 people are missing in the Uttarkashi cloudburst, according to the initial reports, DIG of NDRF Mohsen Shahedi said.

“The incident took place around 2 p.m. in Harsil town. Three teams of NDRF were sent to the spot, and they will reach the spot soon,” he added.

There are 35 members in each team, and they are well-equipped to rescue the people trapped in the disaster, he said.

“A large-scale rescue operation will have to be carried out there,” the DIG added.

- ANI

Geographical disaster expert D.N. Joshi said that we should work in accordance with nature.

“A cloudburst happens when heavy rainfall happens in a short span of time. These incidents happen mostly in hilly areas… Meteorological departments issue warnings,” he said.

Uttarkashi and Kedarnath Ghati are called high-risk zones, he added.

“We often hear about such incidents, and therefore, we should take shelter at a higher place whenever such situations erupt,” he added.

- PTI

Watch the video:

Hours after Dharali, information of a cloud burst was received from Sukhi top, another tourists destination in Uttarkashi, says Vinay Shankar Pandey, commissioner Garhwal.

He added that no loss of life was reported from the spot, but due toa cloud burst, the water level in the river was increased drastically.

Ishita Mishra reports

Leader of Opposition in Odisha assembly Naveen Patnaik today condoled the deaths in the devastating flashfloods in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi.

“I am deeply anguished by the devastating cloudburst in #Uttarkashi, which has unleashed havoc in Dharali village, claiming precious lives and leaving many others missing. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, and my thoughts are with all those enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” Mr. Patnaik posted on X.

“We pray to Lord Jagannath to grant strength and protection to everyone affected by this calamity. I also salute the tireless efforts of the rescue teams who are bravely working to save lives amidst these challenging conditions,” he said.

- PTI

Uttarakhand's Sukhi Top area experienced another cloudburst on Tuesday, hours after the Dharali area also experienced huge losses due to a previous cloudburst. Further information on the second cloudburst is awaited.

Meanwhile, the roads in Gasku, Malghat area on the Dharchula- Gunji route have been closed, with NDRF successfully transporting travellers stranded due to falling rocks. Police officials have urged people not to travel on the route till it is cleared.

The Chamoli police have also informed that the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been washed out near Saldhar. “Travellers and local residents are requested to avoid unnecessary travel and follow the guidelines and information issued by the Chamoli Police,” the police said in a post on X.

Army personnel engaged in rescue operations after a landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil. Approximately 15-20 people have been evacuated and injured are receiving medical treatment at Army medical facility in Harshil. -- ANI

AIIMS Rishikesh PRO Sandeep Kumar said that their Trauma Centre was informed to provide immediate treatment if any patient from Uttarkashi.

-ANI

Watch the video:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that they spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and assured Centre's help in rescue operations.

Tragic cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarakhand leads to flash floods, with PM Modi and Amit Shah promising rescue assistance.

Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, a Brigade Commander, said that the Indian Army column located at Harshil Post was the first to respond and reach the village within 10 minutes, and commence rescue operations.

“The column has about 150 personnel with specialised medical equipment, rescue equipment and doctors and is engaged in rescuing the villagers. Till now, around 20 villagers have been rescued, and the injured are getting treatment,” he said.

- ANI

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said devastation caused by cloudburst in Dharali is “sad and concerning.”

“I express my deepest condolences to the affected families and hope for the swift recovery of those who are missing,” he said in a post on social media platform X.

He appealed to the administration to expedite relief and rescue operations. He also asked Congress leaders and workers to cooperate with the administration in relief. efforts and provide all possible assistance to those in need

Uttarakhand District Magistrate Prashant Arya said, a lot of water has come down at the same time due to the cloudburst.

“There are many restaurants and hotels there. Army teams have been sent to the spot,” he added.

Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on a post on X said he is “praying for the well-being of the people affected by the tragedy”.

He said the Centre and the State Government are working in tandem, taking all possible measures to save precious lives.

​​​

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the people who are affected by the tragedy.

“I pray for the well-being of all the victims,” he said on a post on the social media platform X.

He said he has spoken to the Uttarakhand CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami, to know about the situation.

“Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,” the PM added.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Indo Tibetan Border Patrol (ITBP) teams have been deployed for rescue operations.

The Indian Army has shared pictures of the rescue operation.

2ff87e85-1364-4348-83d2-93775fb0555c.jpg

d0307852-b88a-49e4-a429-0316519b1e96.jpg

Amit Shah has spoken to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to gather information about the flash flood, the former said on a post on the social media platform X.

He assured all help in the rescue operations.

“Three nearby ITBP teams have been sent there, and four NDRF teams have also been dispatched to the site, which will soon arrive and engage in rescue operations,” the Union Home Minister said.

​

A cloudburst led to flash floods in the high altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district with several houses being damaged or swept away in the raging waters, according to people in the area.

The cloudburst took place in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, leading to the devastating floods, locals said.

About 10-12 people could be buried under the debris, Rajesh Panwar, a villager, told PTI. He said 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away.

There was panic in villages in the area with people scrambling for dry ground. Videos from the area showed a torrent of water rushing down. People could be heard screaming in panic. -- PTI

In a statement, the Indian Army said “A massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil, triggering sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement.

“Troops of Ibex brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold,” it said, adding “The Army stands resolute in support of our citizens during this natural calamity.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Kumar Dhami said, “The news of heavy losses due to cloudburst in Dharali [Uttarkashi] area is extremely sad and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration and other related teams are engaged on war footing for relief and rescue operations.”

Mr. Dhami further said “I am constantly in touch with senior officials in this regard and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety.”

​​

Published - August 05, 2025

Uttarakhand / flood / Live news / natural disasters

Source: The Hindu
Related Posts: Centre, State Agencies Working Together On Uttarkashi Relief Uttarkashi Cloudburst Live Updates Major Cloudburst Hits Dharali Near Harsil In Uttarkashi Hoax bomb threat to Dehradun district court triggers search operation Assam govt has written to Centre for more emergency landing facilities Five Killed As House In Ayodhya District Collapses Due To Blast US District Judge blocks Trump from withholding funds from Los Angeles More than 200 missing in flood-hit district in Pakistan Seven killed after air ambulance crashes in Chatra district NIA arrests two from Uttarakhand’s Haldwani district