Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Shocking Visuals Show Scale of Destruction, Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Challenges
Disturbing visuals from Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district have brought into focus the massive devastation caused by recent cloudbursts and flash floods in the Dharali region. At least four people have lost their lives, and several remain missing, prompting an intense rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
Footage from the ground shows damaged roads, collapsed bridges, debris-covered landscapes, and furious mountain streams that have completely isolated many areas.
Rescue Teams Working Round the Clock
Dharali remains one of the most severely affected areas. Rescue efforts are being carried out on a war footing, with teams from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local volunteers managing to rescue over 130 people so far.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe rescue of all stranded individuals.” He acknowledged that damaged routes and collapsed bridges have made accessibility extremely difficult.
The Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun is functioning 24×7 to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts. CM Dhami also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support and added that the PM is personally monitoring the situation. “PM Modi was briefed today as well about the rescue efforts,” Dhami said.
Key Roads Washed Away
The scale of the destruction became clear as visuals showed major stretches of the Uttarkashi-Harsil road, especially near Bhatwadi, washed away, effectively cutting off villages like Dharali.
JCBs and other heavy machinery have been deployed to remove debris and open up paths to the affected areas. Two separate cloudburst incidents – one in Dharali and another near Sukhi Top – have destroyed houses, shops, and road networks.
Mudslides remain a major threat across the hilly terrain, with weather conditions making the rescue mission even more dangerous.
Helicopters on Standby, Weather Hampers Aerial Rescue
Army helicopters are on standby for air evacuations, but poor weather has delayed their use. “Once conditions improve, helicopters will be deployed. Food packets and medical teams are ready,” said the CM. Communication lines in the region are still non-functional, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Over 160 police personnel, including 10 Deputy Superintendents and 3 Superintendents, have been deployed. Teams from NDRF and SDRF are also on-site. However, mobile connectivity remains suspended in many locations, hampering coordination.
More Rain Predicted, Landslide Risk Remains High
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, raising fears of more landslides and flash floods in the coming days.
Central and State Governments Step In
PM Narendra Modi offered condolences, saying, “I express my heartfelt sympathies to those affected in Dharali, Uttarkashi, and pray for the well-being of all victims.” He said he is in constant contact with CM Dhami for updates.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured all necessary Central support and directed the deployment of additional NDRF and ITBP teams.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also reached out to Dhami and extended his government’s full support.
Situation Still Evolving
As rescue teams work tirelessly to reach the stranded, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. With time and terrain working against them, authorities remain on high alert, bracing for further weather-related challenges.
