Uttarakhand, India: More than 100 people are missing and at least one person has died after a powerful cloudburst triggered severe flash floods in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.
The incident occurred around 1:30 pm on August 5, when a sudden, intense downpour caused the Kheerganga river to overflow, unleashing torrents of muddy water that submerged roads, buildings, and infrastructure in Dharali village.
The floods left widespread devastation in the popular tourist village, located just 2 km from Harsil, home to a large Indian Army base and a nearby Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp. At least 10 soldiers stationed in Harsil are reportedly missing.
उत्तरकाशी में आपदा प्रभावित क्षेत्र का हवाई निरीक्षण किया।#Uttarkashi pic.twitter.com/IFnrxRkegD
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 6, 2025
Approximately 130 people have been rescued so far, including 37 from Dharali village alone, according to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Rescue efforts by the National and State Disaster Response Forces have been hampered by heavy rainfall, severely damaged roads, and poor connectivity. Several teams, stationed in nearby Gangotri, have been unreachable since August 5 afternoon. Massive cracks and sludge have rendered the region nearly inaccessible, and power outages further complicate the situation.
The downpour caused by the cloudburst also led to the formation of an artificial lake in the Bhagirathi River, a key tributary of the Ganges, due to debris blocking the flow. Officials warn that if the water is not drained quickly, it could pose a major risk to downstream towns and villages. A government helipad and large areas have already been submerged.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall in the region and issued travel advisories, while several schools have been closed in vulnerable areas.
Though Dharali is a key stop on the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage route, its reduced tourist numbers during the monsoon and prior rain alerts likely prevented a larger tragedy.
Uttarakhand, located in the western Himalayas, remains highly susceptible to flash floods and landslides. This tragedy echoes the 2021 disaster in the region when over 200 people were killed in similar cloudburst-triggered floods.
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