Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Centre Rushes Rescue Teams On-site

• A cloudburst and flash flood in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village has resulted in at least four confirmed deaths, with dozens more feared missing.
• The disaster has caused widespread destruction, washing away entire homes, hotels, and cutting off road connectivity to Gangotri Dham.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi have spoken with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, assuring the state of all necessary central assistance.

GG News Bureau
Dehradun, 5th Aug: A devastating cloudburst in the Dharali region of Uttarkashi district has triggered massive flash floods and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction that has claimed at least four lives. As the death toll is feared to rise, multiple agencies have launched a large-scale rescue operation in the affected areas.

The disaster struck on Tuesday, with a sudden cloudburst in the upper catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river leading to a torrent of muddy water and debris sweeping through Dharali village. According to local authorities, at least four people have been confirmed dead, while villagers fear that dozens more could be buried under the rubble. Initial reports suggest an entire village has been washed away and as many as 20-25 hotels and homestays have been destroyed. The landslide has also cut off road connectivity to Gangotri Dham, a key pilgrimage site.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both spoken with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take stock of the situation. Shah confirmed the deployment of seven rescue teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the site. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his condolences and assured that no stone would be left unturned in providing assistance.

On the ground, a multi-agency rescue effort is underway. The Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade, stationed just 4 km away, was among the first to respond and has already evacuated 15-20 people. They are now working alongside teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), NDRF, ITBP, and local police and fire departments.

Chief Minister Dhami expressed his deep distress over the tragedy. “The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali region is extremely sad and distressing,” he said, confirming that rescue operations are being conducted on a “war footing.”

The tragedy is compounded by the weather forecast, with the Meteorological Department warning of continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand until August 10, raising fears of more flash floods and landslides. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to stay away from rivers and other vulnerable areas.