Uttarakhand Cloudburst: Flash Floods Sweep Dharali Village, 4 Dead, Several Missing

A devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday triggered massive flash floods in the high-altitude village of Dharali, killing at least four people and leaving several others missing.

Dramatic video footage captured by locals shows the terrifying moment floodwaters, carrying silt and debris, tore through the village. In the clip, houses are seen collapsing as torrents of water rush down the narrow streets. Panic-stricken residents can be heard screaming, with one repeatedly crying out, “Khatam ho gaya, khatam (It’s over),” as the floodwaters engulf the area within seconds.

According to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, the cloudburst occurred in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, unleashing a sudden deluge that ravaged the village.

Dharali, a popular stopover for tourists on their way to Gangotri, had several hotels, homestays, and restaurants, many of which have been badly damaged or swept away.

Rescue operations were launched swiftly. Army teams from nearby Harsil, along with personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, and the district administration, were deployed to the site.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was in constant contact with officials and monitoring the situation closely. The Indian Army’s Central Command posted on X that a "massive mudslide" struck Dharali, causing a sudden surge of water and debris. Troops from the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and reached the site for rescue efforts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reviewed the situation and said three nearby ITBP teams and four NDRF teams had been sent to the area to assist in ongoing rescue and relief operations.

As authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage, search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the missing and provide aid to those affected.