Cloudburst Ravages Dharali In Uttarkashi; Rescue Operations Underway As Several Missing

A severe cloudburst hit the Dharali region near Harsil in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, sweeping away an entire village and leaving several people reportedly unaccounted for.

The sudden rise in water levels, particularly around Kheer Gadh near Dharali, caused extensive destruction in the local market area.

Emergency response teams from the police, fire department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army were swiftly deployed. They began rescue and relief operations without delay.

“Due to the rising water levels in Kheer Gadh in Dharali, Uttarkashi, reports of damage have been received in the Dharali market area. Police, Fire department, SDRF and Army, along with other disaster relief and rescue teams, are engaged in relief and rescue operations at the scene,” stated Uttarakhand Police in an official advisory.

Residents have been cautioned to stay away from riverbanks. They have also been advised to ensure the safety of children and livestock amid the ongoing emergency.

Chief Minister Dhami Responds to Crisis

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grave concern over the incident, affirming that relief operations were progressing with urgency.

Taking to X, Dhami posted, “The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing.”

He further added, “In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”

As search teams continue to look for those missing, there has yet to be an official statement on casualties.

Just a day before the disaster, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert. It predicted ‘extremely heavy rainfall’ in parts of Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, and Chamoli, starting from 4 August.

In response to the warning, the Dehradun district administration announced the closure of all schools up to Class 12. Anganwadi centres were also ordered shut for 4 August.

Ahead of the severe weather, CM Dhami conducted a virtual meeting with District Magistrates from all 13 districts. The meeting aimed to review the state’s preparedness and ongoing development works in light of the IMD forecast.

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