Dehradun — A sudden flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in the upper catchment of the Kheer Ganga river wreaked havoc in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, killing at least four people and leaving several others missing. The disaster caused large-scale destruction to homes, roads, and businesses in the mountainous region.
Uttarkashi district magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the death toll and said the scale of destruction is still being assessed. “A massive wave of flash flood hit the area. We are currently evaluating the extent of the damage to both life and property,” Arya said.
The region, known for its guest houses, hotels, and homestays, bore the brunt of the sudden surge of water. Dramatic visuals showed floodwaters tearing through the village, sweeping away structures and leaving behind a trail of debris, mud, and destruction.
Search and rescue operations are underway with teams from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed to the site. Additional support has been dispatched from the tehsil and the Public Works Department (PWD).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and took stock of the situation. He directed the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and NDRF to intensify relief and rescue efforts in the affected region.
Preliminary reports suggest that multiple buildings, including some hotels and homestays, were completely destroyed. Locals suspect that 10 to 12 laborers may be trapped under the debris.
In a related incident, 18 goats were swept away in Banala Patti area of Barkot tehsil due to the overflowing Kud Gadhera stream.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning of continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, especially in hilly regions, until August 10. Rescue teams from Harsil and Bhatwari have been rushed in as authorities race against time to locate and evacuate those possibly buried or stranded.
