Late Tuesday, a strong cloudburst caused flash floods and landslides, transforming the once peaceful village of Dharali, close to Gangotri, into a scene of destruction. At least four people have died and numerous more are still unaccounted for in what residents are describing as one of the greatest natural disasters to hit the area in recent memory.
According to authorities, the cloudburst happened in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River, causing the river to rise and overflow into the nearby communities. Social media users are sharing heartbreaking pictures of homes being engulfed by muddy rivers, roads being destroyed, and desperate locals fleeing to higher ground.
ALSO READ: Uttarkashi Cloudburst Kills 4, Over 50 Missing in Dharali Tragedy | Watch
Man Rescued from Debris Highlights Hope Amid Despair
One viral video depicts a man being recovered alive from under a mound of debris, covered in mud but still breathing, in a terrifying yet miraculous moment. In a dire scenario, his survival has turned into a rare ray of hope.
A man crawls through the mud.
Another runs as voices scream, “Bhago! Bhago!”
Panic. Desperation. Survival.20 lives reportedly lost in the Tharali, Uttarkashi floods.
Many still missing.Praying for strength to those who made it,
And peace to those who didn’t. 💔… pic.twitter.com/bccZ1PPQb4— Yash Tiwari (@DrYashTiwari) August 5, 2025
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as “unimaginable,” with water tearing through homes and residents screaming for help. The strong current uprooted vehicles and cut off power and communication lines in several parts of the village.
Massive Rescue Mission Launched; IAF Choppers on Standby
A multi-agency rescue operation is now in full swing. Over 20 individuals have been evacuated thus far by the Indian Army, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police; others are reportedly trapped or stranded.
The Indian Army said 150 personnel from the Harshil camp were deployed within 10 minutes of the first landslide report. “Speed is crucial right now. We are racing against the clock,” a senior officer stated.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods: Notable Past Disasters
The Indian Air Force has mobilised a fleet of helicopters, including two Chinooks, two Mi-17V5s, two Cheetahs, and an ALH, all on standby at airbases in Sarasawa, Chandigarh, and Bareilly. These choppers await weather clearance to fly into Harshil, the nearest military post to the disaster site.
Precautionary Measures Taken, Leaders Respond
In light of the continuing rain forecast, all schools and anganwadi centres in the area have been ordered to stay shut on Wednesday. Loudspeakers are being used to warn residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to assess the situation. Political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, expressed condolences and urged for quick relief and rehabilitation.
Reigniting Concerns Over Climate and Infrastructure
Once again, the disaster has raised significant concerns over climate vulnerability and infrastructure resilience in India’s Himalayan regions. Experts and citizens alike are calling for stricter building rules and better preparedness for disasters, especially in ecologically vulnerable areas near riverbanks.
As the search for survivors continues, the people of Dharali and all of Uttarakhand wait anxiously, clinging to strength and hope despite the fury of nature
