Key Points:
- Catastrophic cloudbursts struck Dharali village, Uttarkashi, on August 5, 2025, triggering flash floods and landslides.
- Death toll has risen to at least five, with more than 130 people rescued and scores including Army personnel still missing.
- Continuous rainfall, blocked roads, and landslides are severely hampering rescue operations; a ‘red alert’ is active in multiple districts.
- Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Dhami are closely monitoring relief efforts; military and disaster teams are on site with drones and helicopters.
- Schools and key pilgrimages, including the Kedarnath Yatra, are suspended in affected regions for safety.
Dehradun: Dharali village in Uttarkashi district remains gripped by a crisis after a devastating cloudburst on August 5 unleashed flash floods and landslides that swept away homes, hotels, and vital infrastructure. The area, popular with tourists and located along the Gangotri route, faces mounting losses, with at least five confirmed deaths and several people including nine soldiers still unaccounted for as of August 6.
Rescue operations by the Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF are in full swing. Over 130 residents have been evacuated, some airlifted to safety, while others trapped under debris are being searched for through round-the-clock emergency operations. Floodwaters and debris have isolated villages, with a strategic road to Gangotri washed away, complicating efforts for first responders. At least 163 roads across Uttarakhand remain blocked, including multiple highways, and some response teams are stranded at the disaster site.
Heavy Rains, More Disaster Forecast ‘Red Alert’ in Uttarakhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for August 6, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, lightning, floods, and landslides across Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, and districts in the Kumaon region. Rainfall has reached critical levels in many places, with Maldevta recording 174 mm — well within the ‘Extremely Heavy Rainfall’ category, posing severe landslide risks, rapid river-level rises, and further flooding in low-lying areas.
In response, all schools and Anganwadi centres in multiple districts have been shut as a precaution, and the famed Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended. Residents are being directed to higher ground, and authorities are urging everyone to pay close attention to official weather bulletins and stay in contact with emergency services in case of danger.
Dangers and Official Response
Experts indicate such intense rainfall in hilly, riverine terrain dramatically increases the risks of landslides, sudden flooding, and building collapses. Ongoing rain, road destruction, and persistent mudslides are hampering rapid rescue and medical aid. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Prime Minister Modi are closely monitoring updates and have promised all necessary support. The Army and Air Force have helicopters ready for supply drops and emergency evacuations, weather permitting.
The Situation Remains Critical
With widespread destruction, heavy casualties feared, and hundreds evacuated or still missing, Uttarakhand’s communities are facing one of their toughest disaster responses in recent years. Relief camps have been set up, providing basic amenities and medical care to affected residents, while military and disaster teams maintain high alert as weather remains inclement for the next several days.
“The devastation is unimaginable. Our rescue teams are working relentlessly, but access is difficult, and the situation remains extremely serious due to continuing rain and further landslide risks.” : Uttarkashi District Official
Residents in impacted regions should:
- Stay indoors and off the roads whenever possible.
- Monitor IMD warnings and district administration updates.
- Immediately contact authorities in case of emergency or visible danger.
The state continues to fight against the fallout with all available resources, and officials urge national solidarity and patience as relief operations proceed under hazardous conditions.
