On Tuesday, a cloudburst of massive proportions occurred in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, instantly triggering flash floods in the high-altitude village of Dharali, killing at least four people.
Local residents took video footage with drama as the moment of disaster unfolded. Standing at a higher elevation, the clip shows muddy floodwaters rushing through the narrow lanes of the village with massive debris and silt, sweeping away houses and structures in a matter of seconds.
In the background, terrified residents were shouting in panic, calling out for loved ones who were either trapped inside their homes or in the flooded areas. The horrifying visuals paint a picture of the destruction and the need for urgent rescue operations that followed.
VIDEO | Uttarakhand: Cloudburst causes massive destruction in Dharali Uttarkashi. More details are awaited.#Cloudburst #UttarakhandNews
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/vFx2rEUHvv
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2025
This flood swallowed the whole village of Dharali in a matter of seconds, and amidst all the devastation, a resident wailed, Khatam ho gaya, khatam (It’s over), capturing how immense the disaster could be.
The cause of the cloudburst lies within the Kheer Ganga river, which was the catchment area, resulting in an assumedly destructive flash flood, killing four people, according to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya. An important rest point for pilgrims on their way to Gangotri, Dharali was home to many hotels, restaurants, and homestays that have now suffered much damage or washed away.
🚨 “𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁.” 🪖
📍Kheer Gad, Dharali Village | Uttarkashi | 1345 Hrs, 05 Aug 2025
A massive mudslide struck #Dharali village in the #KheerGad area near Harsil, triggering sudden flow of debris and water through the… pic.twitter.com/FwPPMrIpqu
— SuryaCommand_IA (@suryacommand) August 5, 2025
Rescue operations began within hours in battle mode. An Indian Army troop was swiftly sent from Harsil, followed by teams of NDRF, SDRF and local administration.
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reassured that the scenario is being constantly monitored and remains in direct communication with the senior officers. A huge mudslide hit Dharali as he confirmed, releasing a huge torrent of water along with rubbish into the village on top of the mountain.
The Indian Army’s Central Command also shared the update; Ibex Brigade troops had entered the affected areas to assess the damage before commencing rescue operations. “The extent of destruction is being assessed, and relief efforts are underway,” the Army posted on X (formerly Twitter).
#BreakingNews 🚨 | Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region. Both the ITBP and the NDRF teams have been directed to reach at the spot. #AmitShah… pic.twitter.com/vvKWLYNVAa
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) August 5, 2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also updated in the situation with the CM. Shah discloses that three adjacent ITBP teams and four from the NDRF had already been dispatched, ready to quickly join forces in a search and rescue effort.
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