Uttarkashi Cloudburst Tragedy: 4 Dead, Over 50 Missing After Flash Floods in Dharali and Sukhi Top

Uttarkashi (August 5, 2025): A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, triggered massive flash floods in the high-altitude village of Dharali on Tuesday afternoon, claiming four lives and leaving over 50 people missing. The deluge also washed away more than 40 houses and severely damaged hotels and residential buildings near the Kheer Ganga river. Shortly after, another cloudburst was reported in Sukhi Top, a popular tourist destination in the same district. Though no fatalities were reported from Sukhi Top, officials confirmed a dangerous rise in water levels. Emergency Helpline Numbers Issued The Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre has issued the following emergency contact numbers for assistance: 📞 01374-222126, 01374-222722, 9456556431 Rescue Operations Underway In a swift response, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were deployed to carry out rescue operations in the affected regions. The ITBP has rescued 37 villagers — including 22 men, 11 women, and 4 children — and safely relocated them to the ITBP Base at Kopang. All rescued individuals received immediate first aid. Meanwhile, Army personnel have evacuated 15–20 individuals from areas near Dharali, with the injured being treated at the Army medical facility in Harshil. Situation On Ground: Roads Blocked, Villages Cut Off Several key routes have been affected: Roads in Gasku and Malghat on the Dharchula–Gunji route have been blocked by falling rocks. The Jyotirmath–Malari road in Chamoli has been washed away near Saldhar. Authorities have urged travelers to avoid unnecessary movement and follow official guidelines for safety. Government Response Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep concern and have assured full support to the Uttarakhand government. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation from the State Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun. Rescue efforts are being coordinated despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and blocked roads. 'Bigger Than 2013 Disaster': MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah Local MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah said this cloudburst appears to be more severe than the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster. “Rescue teams are facing difficulties as access roads are blocked, but efforts are underway. It’s a deeply unfortunate incident,” she said. Medical Support on Standby The AIIMS Rishikesh Trauma Centre has been put on high alert to receive injured victims from Uttarkashi. PRO Sandeep Kumar confirmed that emergency medical teams are ready for action. Expert Warnings: 'High-Risk Zone' Geographical disaster expert Dr. D.N. Joshi emphasized that areas like Uttarkashi and Kedarnath Ghati are known high-risk zones for cloudbursts and flash floods. He advised locals and tourists to seek higher ground immediately during such events and remain alert to weather warnings. Voices of Condolence Odisha’s Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed his grief on social media platform X, saying: “Deeply anguished by the devastating cloudburst in #Uttarkashi. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Saluting the tireless efforts of rescue teams working in extreme conditions.” What Is a Cloudburst? A cloudburst is a sudden, extremely heavy rainfall that occurs over a localized area in a short period, often leading to landslides and flash floods, especially in mountainous regions. Final Thoughts As Uttarkashi reels under the impact of this double tragedy, rescue teams are racing against time to save lives and restore access to cut-off villages. With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, experts and officials alike are urging greater disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

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