Key Points:
- A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali triggered severe flooding in the Kheer Ganga river, impacting the nearby Bhagirathi valley and Chardham Yatra route.
- Massive debris accumulation (up to 20 meters high and 300 meters long) has created a dangerous “debris lake,” threatening downstream villages as water levels rise amid continuous rain.
- Indian Army, SDRF, local police, and disaster management teams have launched a major rescue operation; 150 army personnel mobilized within minutes, though debris has blocked key highways and delayed response efforts.
- Authorities have ordered immediate evacuation of riverside residents and warned of possible catastrophe if the debris lake breaches.
- Damage reported at Harshil Army Camp; concerns remain for trapped Chardham Yatra pilgrims and locals. Search and rescue operations continue under challenging conditions.
Dehradun: The mountainous region of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand was rocked by a deadly cloudburst early Tuesday, unleashing flash floods and sending a torrent of debris down the Kheer Ganga river. The incident, recorded near Dharali village just 4km from the Harshil Army camp, has prompted a massive inter-agency rescue mission.
What Happened?
- Cloudburst Impact: Sudden, extreme rainfall at three locations led to torrents of debris converging in the Bhagirathi river, catastrophically raising the water level and forming a debris dam over 300m long and up to 20m high between Harshil and Dharali.
- Challenging Rescue: Rescue teams including 150 Indian Army soldiers, SDRF, local police, and disaster management staff—were rushed to the disaster zone within 10 minutes. However, heavy debris blocked many roads, stranding or slowing convoys and initial relief efforts.
- Immediate Danger: The new debris lake, growing with ongoing rainfall, poses an imminent threat of bursting. Authorities warn that a breach could unleash even deadlier floods downstream.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
- The administration has ordered urgent evacuation of all settlements along the Bhagirathi riverbanks, fearing broader destruction if the lake breaks.
- A coordination meeting is underway to determine safe, controlled drainage of the debris lake to prevent catastrophic outflow.
Harshil Army Camp Hit, Chardham Yatra Disrupted
- Reports confirm damage within the strategically important Harshil Army Camp.
- The area is a vital node for the Chardham Yatra, and many pilgrims as well as residents were caught in the disaster zone.
- While rescue teams are working round-the-clock, exact numbers of those trapped or missing remain unclear due to hazardous and unstable conditions.
Ongoing Threat and Appeal for Caution
With rains forecast to continue, disaster authorities stress that risks remain high. Local residents and pilgrims are urged to stay relocated and avoid riverbanks until the situation stabilizes. Helicopters and heavy machinery have been called in to accelerate the removal of debris and support further evacuations.
Authorities continue to monitor the “lake of debris” for any signs of stress as engineers and emergency teams work urgently to prevent a secondary disaster. All agencies are on high alert, making every possible effort to safeguard both lives and vital infrastructure in the affected region.
