Flash Floods Devastate Uttarkashi’s Dharali; Rescue Operations Underway

A sudden cloudburst in Dharali village near Gangotri in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district triggered devastating flash floods on August 5, causing widespread destruction, multiple deaths, and leaving scores missing. The deluge, which struck without warning, washed away homes, roads, and critical infrastructure, burying large swathes of land under nearly 50 feet of debris — equivalent to the height of a three-storey building.

Rescue and relief efforts have been launched on a massive scale, with over 400 personnel from the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and BRO engaged in intensive search operations. Sniffer dogs, drones, and heavy machinery are being used to locate those trapped under the rubble. As of August 8, approximately 274 people have been rescued, including 200 stranded near the Gangotri pilgrimage route.

Helicopters have played a vital role in airlifting those cut off by the floods. The Civil Aviation Department and Indian Air Force conducted around 85 sorties on Thursday alone. Nine Army personnel and seven civilians remain unaccounted for, while the Uttarakhand government confirmed the deaths of at least five individuals. Among the affected are tourists from Maharashtra; 153 have been traced safely, though 19 remain unreachable.

The BRO is racing to restore access by repairing damaged roads and constructing a Bailey bridge near Limchigadh. Additionally, a 125 KV generator was airlifted to Harsil to help restore power supply in the region.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a ₹20 crore allocation from the State Disaster Response Fund, with a special recovery levy to take effect from August 27. While rescue operations continue under difficult terrain and weather, authorities have warned that clearing the massive rubble could take several weeks, possibly months. The state remains on high alert for further cloudbursts amid ongoing monsoon conditions.