Dozens Feared Trapped as Cloudburst Triggers Devastating Flash Floods in Uttarakhand, India
Dozens of people are feared trapped after a powerful cloudburst triggered sudden flash floods in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, wreaking havoc in the picturesque village of Dharali.
The disaster struck around 1:30 PM local time (08:00 GMT), unleashing a torrent of water that surged through the hilly terrain, swelling the Kheerganga river and inundating everything in its path. Videos shared online capture the terrifying moment muddy waters tore through the village, sweeping away buildings, roads, and shops in seconds.
Rescue operations are underway, with Indian Army personnel and teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed to the affected area. Dharali, a popular tourist hub located just 2 km from Harsil, is known for its hotels, restaurants, and proximity to a large Indian Army base.
Eyewitnesses from nearby villages, who filmed the unfolding disaster, described the flash flood as so sudden and powerful that residents had no time to flee. Several people are feared to be trapped under debris, and the ancient Kalpkedar temple is reportedly buried under thick layers of mud and slush, with possible structural damage.
“We’ve dispatched rescue teams to the site, but connectivity remains a major challenge,” said Prashant Arya, the senior-most official of Uttarkashi district. “Given the area’s popularity and dense infrastructure, we are deeply concerned about those still unaccounted for.”
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the incident and said state authorities are coordinating with federal forces to expedite rescue efforts. “I have been informed about the cloudburst in Dharali. We are prioritizing rescue and relief operations,” he told local media.
Continuous heavy rainfall is hampering the pace of rescue work, raising fears of further landslides or flooding.
The full extent of the damage remains unclear as communication networks in the region are patchy.
Authorities have urged tourists and residents to remain cautious as Uttarakhand continues to face extreme weather events during the monsoon season.
