Uttarkashi/Delhi, 5 August (H.S.): At least four people lost their lives and more than 50 are missing after a devastating cloudburst triggered a massive landslide in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village on Tuesday afternoon. The disaster struck around 1:45 pm, just 4 kilometers from the Indian Army camp at Harsil, cutting off all road connectivity to the revered Gangotri Dham and overwhelming the region with debris and floodwaters.
The tragedy unfolded close to the winter abode of Goddess Ganga at Mukhba and near the holy Gangotri Dham. Shocking visuals recorded by tourists captured a ferocious stream of water and debris thundering down the hillside, sweeping away homes, trees, and anything in its path. The Kheer Gadh drain, swollen with rainwater, further worsened the damage, causing widespread panic.
Emergency response teams from the Uttarkashi Police, SDRF, NDRF, and the Indian Army rushed to the scene. The Army, stationed nearby, acted swiftly, rescuing at least 15 people. Rescue efforts are ongoing in difficult terrain. A 16-member ITBP team reached the site soon after, while another team is on its way. Central agencies are coordinating with state authorities to manage the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and support, stating, Relief and rescue teams are making every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned to help those affected.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief, stating on X, The news of heavy destruction caused by the cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) is extremely saddening. SDRF, NDRF, district administration and other teams are working on a war footing. I pray for everyone’s safety. He also cancelled his Tripura visit to return to Dehradun and monitor relief efforts directly.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Dhami and assured full support. Spoke to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand... Three ITBP teams and four NDRF teams have been dispatched. Rescue operations will begin shortly, Shah posted on X.
Authorities say continued rainfall and blocked roads are hampering rescue work. Gangotri Dham, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, remains completely inaccessible. Commercialisation in Dharali and surrounding areas like Harsil is being cited as a major factor contributing to the disaster, as it has disrupted natural drainage systems.
Adding to the crisis, another cloudburst was reported three hours later in Sukki, 16 km from Dharali. A large muddy stream was seen gushing down the slopes, destroying trees. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in that incident.
This disaster comes amidst a season of relentless monsoon destruction across the Himalayan belt. In Uttarakhand’s capital, Dehradun, authorities shut all schools and anganwadi centres on Monday following continuous rainfall. Rivers like the Ganga in Haridwar and the Kali are flowing above danger marks.
Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh is also struggling with severe rain-related damage. On Monday alone, over 310 roads, including a national highway, were closed due to landslides. In Mandi district, three people died when their car plunged into a gorge, and in Shimla, a major landslide in Panthaghati damaged shops and blocked roads. The IMD has issued an orange alert for both Monday and Tuesday, warning of heavy rainfall.
This monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh has reported 103 deaths so far, with 36 still missing. Official data reveals that causes include 20 drowning incidents, 19 accidental falls, 17 cloudbursts, eight flash floods, and six landslides painting a grim picture of the Himalayan region’s struggle with climate-related disasters.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
