Uttarkashi: Dramatic and terrifying visuals have emerged from Uttarakhand’s Dharali village, capturing the exact moments a cloudburst unleashed a devastating flash flood that swept away homes, hotels, and lives in seconds. The videos, now viral on social media, show a terrifying wall of water and debris roaring through the Kheer Ganga valley, leaving a trail of destruction and panic in its wake.

The cloudburst, which struck on Tuesday in the high-altitude region of Dharali, a popular stopover en route to Gangotri, triggered widespread panic among locals and tourists. In several heart-wrenching clips, people can be heard screaming and crying as floodwaters demolish buildings. In one such video, a person is heard gasping, “Everything is finished,” while others desperately try to contact loved ones.

Four dead, many missing as mudslide ravages settlements

According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, at least four people have been confirmed dead, and 10–12 are feared trapped under the debris. Over 20–25 hotels and homestays may have been swept away, as per locals.

A massive mudslide followed the cloudburst, striking the KheerGad area near Harsil. The sudden gush of water and debris surged through Dharali village, destroying homes and businesses along the banks of the river. The area, known for its hospitality establishments, was hit at a time when tourist activity remains high during the pilgrimage season.

Army, SDRF, NDRF rushed in as relief efforts begin

The Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade was immediately mobilised from nearby Harsil and has reached the disaster site to assess the damage and undertake rescue operations. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF and the district administration are working on a war footing to locate missing persons and assist survivors.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a post on social media platform X, he 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 in relief and rescue operations.”

Neighbouring villages are also on high alert amid fears of further rain and rising water levels.

 

For assistance, the public can contact the District Emergency Operation Centre in Haridwar at 01374-222722 or the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun at 0135-2710334. Toll-free emergency numbers 1070 and 112 are also active.