A devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods and a massive mudslide on Sunday, leading to widespread destruction in Dharali village near Harsil. The deluge has claimed at least four lives, while scores are feared trapped under layers of thick debris and sludge. As rescue operations intensify, harrowing visuals from the site reveal the sudden surge of water pouring down from the mountains, violently sweeping through homes and farmland in the village.
The cloudburst occurred in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, unleashing a furious flow of water that struck Dharali village without warning. Shocking footage from the scene shows terrified residents screaming for help as the torrent of water submerges the streets. One clip captures a man trying to claw his way out of the thick sludge, barely able to stay on his feet amid the chaos. Several houses have been damaged or buried under the debris, and officials fear that many more villagers may be trapped.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured full support from the Centre. “All possible measures are being taken to provide relief to those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with the Chief Minister and is closely monitoring the unfolding situation.
Rescue operations are currently underway with teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed on the ground. Personnel from the Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police have also joined the emergency efforts. The teams are working under extreme conditions, racing against time to locate and rescue those buried beneath the sludge and broken structures.
The Uttarakhand Police issued a warning in Hindi urging people to stay away from rivers and streams. “In view of the rising water level of the Kheer Ganga river in Harsil, there has been damage reported in Dharali. Police, SDRF, Army, and other disaster response units are engaged in rescue and relief efforts. All residents are advised to keep themselves, children, and livestock at a safe distance from the river,” the advisory stated.
The state’s hilly terrain, prone to cloudbursts during the monsoon season, has seen several such tragic incidents in the past. However, the suddenness and force of this flash flood have once again raised concerns about climate vulnerability and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in remote Himalayan regions.
This news is sourced from the web media coming from international news websites.
