People, Buildings Washed Away As Uttarkashi Cloudburst Causes Widespread Destruction, Terrifying Videos Surface
A severe cloudburst in Dharali village of Uttarkashi triggered deadly flash floods and landslides, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals, while several others remain unaccounted for.
Following twin cloudbursts that caused devastating floods near Dharali village and the Harsil Army Camp on Tuesday, shocking visuals appeared on social media showing people and structures being washed away as the Kheer Ganga River suddenly swelled and overflowed into the settlement.
One particularly alarming video showed the destructive force of the floodwater consuming a row of buildings close to the Kheer Ganga river. Another clip captured the moment hotels and houses were engulfed by a massive mudslide following the cloudburst.
Eyewitnesses narrated terrifying scenes where entire marketplaces and buildings were swept away in the blink of an eye. In yet another video, people could be seen running for their lives and shouting as powerful floodwaters ripped through multiple buildings. Emergency whistles — a traditional distress signal — were heard as locals tried to alert and guide others to safety.
In a separate video, a car carrying passengers was seen being dragged away by the flood. Bystanders could be heard shouting, “There are people inside.”
According to Uttarakhand’s Disaster Management Secretary, Vinod Kumar Suman, the floodwaters descended on two sides of the same hill — one towards Dharali and the other towards Sukki village — as quoted by NDTV. Rainfall continued till late evening, with a red alert remaining in place till Wednesday.
Dharali, known for its hotels, eateries, and homestays, was the worst-hit area. What was once a picturesque stretch of green fields and brightly coloured rooftops now lies in ruins, buried under layers of mud and debris. Nearly half the homes have been uprooted, leaving behind rubble, destruction, and a deep sense of loss.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for nine districts across Uttarakhand in the aftermath of the cloudburst in Dharali.
Authorities confirmed that around 130 individuals have been rescued from the disaster-hit zone so far, as rescue efforts by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and local police continue with urgency.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the state administration is closely tracking the developments and working in coordination with all involved agencies. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Dhami to review the situation. Prominent political figures including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal have extended their condolences and urged for swift relief and rehabilitation measures.
