More than 100 people are missing and at least one person has been confirmed dead after a cloudburst triggered catastrophic flash floods in Uttarkashi district, located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
The disaster struck on Tuesday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. local time, when a sudden and intense downpour caused the Kheerganga river to swell rapidly, unleashing a torrent of water that tore through Dharali village. Roads, homes, and key infrastructure were submerged as the floodwaters surged down the mountain slopes.
According to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approximately 190 people have been rescued so far. However, search and rescue operations remain challenging due to ongoing heavy rainfall, treacherous terrain, and widespread debris. Ten soldiers stationed at a nearby Indian Army base are among those reported missing.
Mr. Dhami visited the disaster-hit region by helicopter on Wednesday, meeting families affected by the calamity and surveying the damage firsthand.
The Indian Meteorological Department described the event as a “cloudburst,” an extreme weather phenomenon involving sudden, localized, and heavy rainfall that often leads to devastating flash floods and landslides. The state has been battered by relentless monsoon rains for weeks, with Uttarkashi district among the hardest hit.
In Dharali, the flooding created an artificial lake by partially blocking the Bhagirathi river, a tributary of the Ganges. Officials fear that if the water is not drained promptly, the pressure buildup could lead to further flooding downstream, endangering additional towns and villages. A government helipad was among the structures submerged by the rising waters.
Helicopters have been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations, but poor visibility and continued rain are hampering efforts. Sludge and debris have rendered key roads impassable, delaying aid to remote areas.
The weather department has issued a red alert for heavy rain across Uttarakhand and urged residents to stay away from landslide-prone regions. Schools have been closed in several districts as a precaution.
Officials had previously issued advisories discouraging travel to the region due to ongoing rain risks. Dharali, a popular summer destination located just 2 km from Harsil—a site home to both an Indian Army base and an Indo-Tibetan Border Police camp—saw low tourist footfall this monsoon, which likely prevented a higher death toll.
Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides due to its mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather patterns. The state has suffered multiple disasters in recent years, including a 2021 flash flood that claimed over 200 lives and the deadly 2013 Kedarnath tragedy.
Rescue efforts continue as authorities monitor the artificial lake and brace for more rain in the coming days.
