DEHRADUN, August 5 — At least four people were killed and several others reported missing after a massive cloudburst struck Dharali near Harsil in Uttarkashi district early Tuesday, triggering devastating flash floods that washed away entire villages, houses, and homestays.
Confirming the initial toll, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya said that rescue teams were deployed immediately as reports of missing persons and property damage poured in. “Police, SDRF, Army, and disaster response teams are on site carrying out relief and rescue operations,” Uttarkashi Police said.
Terrifying visuals from the area showed houses being swept away by powerful torrents of water, with debris and mud engulfing large parts of the village. Kheer Ganga, a stream in the Harsil area, overflowed due to the deluge, worsening the situation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who said that ITBP and NDRF teams were directed to rush to the affected region. Shah assured all possible help from the Centre.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation. “About 10–12 people may be buried under debris. Around 20–25 hotels and homestays are feared to have been swept away,” said Rajesh Panwar, a local villager.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast extremely heavy rainfall in isolated parts of Uttarakhand for Tuesday. This event is the latest in a series of rain-triggered disasters that have plagued the hill state this monsoon.
On Monday, one person drowned in the Bhakhra stream near Haldwani, while two others were swept away near Bhujiyaghat on Sunday. In Rudraprayag, two shops were buried under boulders and debris following an overnight landslide.
In response to the unfolding crisis, CM Dhami has directed all District Magistrates to remain stationed on the ground with full teams. He instructed that blocked roads be cleared quickly, and drinking water and power supplies be restored on priority.
The CM also urged officials to take preventive measures for waterlogging and ensure contingency plans are in place across flood-prone areas.
