Uttarakhand Flash Flood Nightmare Captured on Camera: Ferocious Waters Wreck Buildings, Drag Debris Downstream
Disturbing visuals of the calamity have emerged online, highlighting the destruction caused to numerous structures. Eyewitnesses reported that nearly 50 hotels in the region were submerged by the sudden deluge.
A devastating flash flood hit Dharali village in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Tuesday, sweeping away homes and sparking fears of casualties, officials confirmed.
Chilling videos shared on social media showed people crying out as powerful torrents of floodwaters destroyed buildings and shelters. The flash flood caused extensive structural damage, with some reports indicating people trapped beneath the wreckage. One clip showed fierce currents washing away entire houses and uprooting buildings. Locals were heard screaming in panic as the tragedy unfolded before their eyes.
Uttarkashi Police issued a warning on social media platform X, advising the public to stay away from the river.
“Due to the rising water levels in the Kheer Gad stream in the Harsil area, reports of damage from Dharali have emerged. Police teams, SDRF, the army, and other disaster response units are engaged in rescue and relief efforts at the scene. We urge everyone to stay clear of the river and ensure that children and livestock are kept at a safe distance,” the police stated in their tweet.
Rescue Mission Initiated
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that rescue operations were underway and that the Indian Army had been mobilised to assist with relief efforts.
“I have been informed about a cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi… Rescue operations are in progress. The District Administration, along with Army, NDRF, and SDRF personnel, is working to evacuate and assist affected residents,” he told ANI.
Officials added that the rising water levels in the Khir Ganga river had led to extensive damage in the Dharali market region. Army contingents from Harsil, along with police and SDRF teams, have been dispatched to Bhatwari for further response.
State Minister Saurabh Bahuguna expressed grief over the calamity and reiterated that the immediate focus was on saving lives.
“This is a heartbreaking event. Rescue teams have been dispatched, and our top priority remains the safety and survival of those potentially trapped under debris. NDRF and SDRF teams are heading to the site,” he said.
Eyewitness Testimony
As per Suresh Semwal, an eyewitness present at the site, several hotels were swept away in the flash flood.
“The situation is dire. Numerous hotels have been washed away. Around 50 hotels in this region are entirely submerged. Several villagers are still trapped,” he reported.
