A powerful cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday triggered flash floods that wiped out most of Dharali village, leaving four people dead and several others, including 11 Army personnel, missing. Rescue efforts are underway amid ongoing heavy rainfall and challenging terrain.
The flash flood occurred around 1:45 PM, roughly 4 km from the Indian Army’s Harshil camp. Officials reported that two separate cloudbursts—one over Dharali and another near Sukhi Top—caused widespread destruction, including mudslides. Dharali was hit hardest, with homes, shops, vehicles, and trees swept away by fast-moving waters.
Over 130 people have been rescued so far despite difficult weather conditions. Disturbing visuals from the site showed the river swelling beyond its banks, submerging everything in its path. Before-and-after photos reveal a stark contrast—what was once a forested, inhabited area is now a barren stretch of debris.
11 Soldiers Missing, Army Base Damaged
The Indian Army confirmed that 11 of its personnel are currently unaccounted for. A Defence PRO stated that rescue teams continue to operate with “unwavering determination” despite their base being severely impacted by the floods. Additional Army units have been mobilised to join ongoing search efforts.
Massive Rescue Effort In Progress
Personnel from the Army’s Ibex Brigade, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively involved in relief operations. Over 150 soldiers, led by Colonel Harshvardhan of the 14 Rajput Rifles, are on-site coordinating efforts.
The Indian Air Force has kept Chinook, Mi-17 V5, ALH, and Cheetah helicopters on standby at Chandigarh Air Base. Flights are set to deploy with equipment and relief material once weather conditions improve.
To support relief coordination, three additional IAS and police officers have been dispatched. However, electricity, roads, and internet services remain down in several areas.
CM Dhami, PM Modi Respond
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami cut short his trip to Andhra Pradesh and returned to Dehradun, where he is overseeing rescue operations from the State Emergency Operation Centre. He stressed that restoring power in affected areas is a top priority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said he is closely monitoring the situation. “Relief and rescue teams are doing everything possible,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), after speaking to CM Dhami for an update.
Schools Shut, Weather Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department has warned of more rain in the coming days, especially in hill districts. In response, all schools and aanganwadis in Uttarkashi have been closed until further notice.
Elsewhere in the state, rising water levels in the Ganga have led to severe waterlogging in parts of Haridwar. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from ghats and landslide-prone areas. Loudspeakers are being used in remote villages to warn residents and advise evacuation where necessary.
Meanwhile, a boulder on the Haridwar-Motichur railway track disrupted services along the Haridwar-Dehradun route. Northern Railways said that repair work is underway and traffic will resume soon.
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