Key points
- Heavy rains in Uttarkashi triggered debris flow into residential areas; one house buried, several homes and shops flooded.
- Vehicles, including two-wheelers, a mixer machine, and a car, were swept away amid rising waters.
- Delhi–Yamunotri highway closed; traffic brought to a standstill.
- SDRF and district teams conducting search, rescue, and evacuations to safer locations.
- CM Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation and ordered expedited relief with no delays in assistance.
- Seven-member central inter-ministerial team to visit Uttarakhand on September 8 for damage assessment (PDNA).
- State monsoon tally reaches 574 mm, highest since 2010; government seeks Rs 5,702.15 crore special relief package.
- 13 long-range sirens (8–16 km range) inaugurated in Dehradun to strengthen early warnings.
Uttarkashi: Sudden heavy rainfall in Uttarkashi sent debris cascading into residential neighborhoods, burying one house and flooding multiple homes and shops. Several people left their homes in haste as water and mud surged through low-lying areas, forcing evacuations to safer locations organized by local authorities.
Highway shut, traffic halted
Authorities closed the Delhi–Yamunotri highway due to unsafe conditions, bringing vehicular movement to a halt. Commuters were advised to avoid the corridor until further notice while road clearance and safety inspections are carried out.
SDRF search and rescue underway
District Magistrate Prashant Arya said intense rainfall over the Syoori Phal Patti area led to a surge in the Devalsari Gadhera, severely impacting low-lying belts. In Naugaon, the water level rose so quickly that even parked vehicles were swept away. The SDRF has launched a search operation to locate and assist anyone trapped, while district teams continue door-to-door checks and evacuations.
Vehicles swept away in surge
Amid the rush of water and debris, multiple vehicles were carried off, including two-wheelers, a mixer machine, and a car. Visuals from affected blocks show slush-filled streets and damaged storefronts as crews begin clearing operations.
CM Dhami orders swift relief
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke with the District Magistrate and instructed officials to accelerate rescue and relief, ensure timely evacuation to safe shelters, and prevent delays in aid distribution. He emphasized prioritizing vulnerable residents and maintaining round-the-clock coordination across departments.
Central team visit on Sept 8
A seven-member inter-ministerial team from the Central Government is scheduled to visit Uttarakhand on September 8 to assess damage and initiate the Post Disaster Need Assessment process. The team will also meet state officials in Dehradun to review ground reports and immediate funding requirements.
Record monsoon rainfall, funding sought
State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported 574 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon, the highest since 2010, contributing to significant loss of life and property statewide. The state has requested a special relief package of Rs 5,702.15 crore from the Centre to support restoration, compensation, and resilience measures.
Early-warning sirens activated
To bolster disaster preparedness, the Chief Minister inaugurated 13 modern long-range sirens in Dehradun with coverage between 8 and 16 kilometers. Officials have been directed to test these sirens regularly and conduct public awareness drills so residents respond quickly during emergencies.
Current status and advisories
Authorities continue to monitor river and stream levels, clear debris, and restore essential services. Residents in affected and downstream areas are urged to stay away from swollen streams, follow district advisories, and contact local helplines if assistance is needed. Officials have not yet released consolidated figures on casualties or total evacuations as assessments are ongoing.
