Uttarkashi Flash Flood Updates: 4 Dead, 70 Rescued; CM Dhami Reviews Ongoing Relief Operations
A heavy cloudburst triggered flash floods that swept through homes, hotels, trees, and vehicles in the Himalayan village of Dharali on the route to Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
At least four individuals lost their lives and over 70 people were rescued after a massive cloudburst led to flash floods in the hilly village of Dharali on the way to Gangotri in Uttarakhand on Tuesday.
Dharali, a prominent halt on the Gangotri route, housing several hotels, eateries, and homestays, bore the brunt of the floods. The water, laden with heavy silt and debris, surged through the area, damaging and submerging multiple buildings.
According to officials, relief and rescue teams faced challenging weather and terrain conditions while trying to minimise the damage and trace those missing. The flash flood was triggered by a cloudburst reported in the catchment region of the Kheer Ganga river.
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the State Disaster Management Department, informed that Dharali wasn’t the only area affected. The floodwaters gushed down two sides of the same hill— one towards Dharali and the other towards Sukki village.
Footage from the site captured torrents of muddy water and debris descending the slopes, approaching settlements near the riverbanks. Locals could be heard crying out in fear as the waters advanced.
60–70 PEOPLE RESCUED IN DHARALI
Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully rescued nearly 60 to 70 individuals from impacted parts of Dharali. Additional teams are on their way to support the mission.
OFFICERS ASSIGNED TO OVERSEE RESCUE WORK
Following the incident, the Uttarakhand government has deputed three IPS and three IAS officers to Uttarkashi district to coordinate directly with the local administration and supervise relief efforts till further orders.
CM DHAMI MONITORS RELIEF, RESCUE OPERATIONS
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a review meeting regarding rescue operations and damage assessment at the affected site in Dharali. He directed the use of helicopters and provided necessary instructions.
“Rescue operations are underway. We have deployed three senior IAS officers to oversee the work. Prime Minister Modi and the Union Home Minister have assured all support from the Centre. Around 70 people have been rescued from Dharali. I will be visiting the affected site tomorrow (August 6). I have asked the Army for helicopter support and remain in continuous touch with the teams on ground,” he told News18.
8–10 SOLDIERS REPORTED MISSING, TEMPORARY LAKE FORMS IN HARSIL
Around 10 army personnel are currently missing from a military camp in the lower Harsil region, officials confirmed. In addition, the Bhagirathi river’s flow has been blocked, resulting in a temporary lake formation in Harsil.
Authorities said this is a grave concern and could cause more issues downstream. The situation is under close watch.
PM MODI SPEAKS TO CM DHAMI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the victims and said he had spoken with Chief Minister Dhami for an update.
“Relief and rescue operations are being carried out with full vigour under the leadership of the state government. Every possible help is being ensured for the affected,” PM Modi said.
RESCUE TEAMS RUSHED TO SITE
Soon after receiving reports of the incident, SDRF teams were rushed to the location. Additional reinforcements from the NDRF, Indian Army, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are also being sent.
SDRF IG Arun Mohan Joshi stated, “Our closest SDRF unit has reached the site. Two more teams are on their way. Rescue operations are being coordinated. NDRF and Army units nearby are also being mobilised.”
“Specialised equipment from our SDRF battalion headquarters is also being transported. All agencies—SDRF, ITBP, NDRF, and the Army—are working together in a coordinated manner,” he added.
AMIT SHAH REVIEWS SITUATION
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Chief Minister Dhami to review the situation. He instructed ITBP and NDRF units to assist in rescue efforts.
“I have spoken to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the cloudburst and flash flood in Dharali (Uttarkashi) to understand the situation. Three ITBP teams have reached the site, and four NDRF teams are on their way to join the rescue efforts,” Shah said on X.
A 16-member ITBP team has already reached the affected site to help with operations.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, speaking to CNN-News18, called the incident “very unfortunate” and stated that saving lives was the top priority. He confirmed the presence of rescue teams on-site and said the situation is being monitored constantly.
Chief Minister Dhami also expressed his sorrow over the severe destruction caused by the cloudburst. In a post on X, he termed the event “extremely painful and distressing.”
He added that the SDRF, NDRF, local administration, and other agencies are working on a war footing.
“I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being monitored continuously. I pray for the safety of all,” CM Dhami said.
