At least five people have lost their lives and more than 50 remain missing following a devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday afternoon. The downpour triggered a massive mudslide and flash floods in Dharali village, a popular tourist spot known for its hotels, restaurants, and homestays.

Drone footage has since revealed the full scale of destruction—multi-storey buildings flattened, roads torn apart, and vast areas submerged under layers of mud, reportedly up to 50 feet deep in some locations.

Shocking visuals from ground zero show houses collapsing like a deck of cards and being swept away by powerful torrents. Local residents’ cries for help echoed through the deluge.

Rescue efforts led by the Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF are ongoing, with heavy reliance on drone surveillance to assess damage and locate survivors in inaccessible areas. Tracker dogs, logistic drones, and earthmoving machinery have been deployed as operations continue “on a war footing.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that 190 individuals have been rescued from the worst-affected zones in Dharali. Efforts are underway to evacuate pilgrims stranded at Gangotri Dham via Nelong Valley. “All arrangements have been made and they will be evacuated very soon,” said the CM.

A red alert remains in place across the district. The state government has issued emergency helpline numbers to assist affected residents. Communication lines remain patchy, but aerial visuals are also guiding helicopter teams delivering essential supplies to cut-off areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with CM Dhami, assuring full support from the Centre. “All relevant agencies are working in close coordination to ensure timely relief and rescue,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.