Homes, Hotels, Cars, Trees Swept Away: Before-After Photos Reveal Flashflood Devastation in Uttarkashi
Four people lost their lives and at least 130 individuals, who were initially feared to be trapped, have been rescued in Dharali — a prominent halt on the way to Gangotri, known for its hotels, eateries, and homestays.
Massive flashfloods — most likely caused by a cloudburst — swept through the picturesque Himalayan village of Dharali in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, washing away homes, hotels, vehicles, and trees, and leaving widespread destruction behind.
Four people died and at least 130 others, who were earlier thought to be trapped, were rescued in the village, which lies on the route to Gangotri, the source of the Ganga, and is dotted with several lodges, restaurants and guesthouses. Before-and-after visuals of the area depict the extent of the damage.
Officials said nearly half of Dharali has been engulfed by fast-moving mudslides made up of slush, debris, and water. Rescue and relief teams have been toiling under difficult conditions in the fragile mountainous region to control the impact.
Adjacent structures, including multi-storey buildings, collapsed like a deck of cards as powerful floodwaters swept through them. The flashfloods were triggered by a cloudburst in the catchment region of the Kheer Ganga river.
State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman stated that Dharali wasn’t the only location affected. The gushing water flowed down two sides of the same mountain — one towards Dharali, and the other in the direction of Sukki village, he added.
Landslides have blocked 163 roads across the state — including five national highways, seven state highways, and two border roads — making rescue operations more challenging. The affected region lies roughly 140 kilometres from Dehradun, the state capital, and typically takes around five hours to reach by road.
Uttarakhand Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu mentioned that 40 to 50 structures had suffered damage. Locals reported that a major part of the Dharali market was swept away.
Rajesh Panwar, who witnessed the terrifying natural disaster, told PTI that approximately 20 to 25 hotels and guesthouses may have been carried away by the floodwaters. The flashflood caused panic in nearby villages as well.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that all possible assistance is being provided. “I offer my condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. I pray for the safety of all victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and reviewed the situation. Rescue and relief operations are being carried out under the supervision of the state government,” he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to CM Dhami and ordered the deployment of seven rescue teams to aid those in need. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the central and state governments are working jointly and taking every necessary step to protect lives.
Chief Minister Dhami, who was in Andhra Pradesh at the time, cancelled his trip and returned to Dehradun. He said he was in constant communication with top officials and is monitoring the developments closely.
“The news of massive destruction due to the cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) is extremely distressing and heartbreaking. SDRF, NDRF, the district administration and other concerned agencies are working on a war footing to carry out relief and rescue operations,” he stated in a post on X.
