A sudden cloudburst in the high-altitude Himalayan region of Uttarkashi district triggered a devastating flash flood early Tuesday morning, sweeping away homes, hotels, and entire villages. At least four people have been confirmed dead, while around 50 others remain missing.
According to villagers cited by news agency PTI, the deluge destroyed 20 to 25 hotels and homestays in the area, along with numerous homes. Many fear that 10 to 12 individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble. The disaster struck after an intense cloudburst occurred upstream of the Khirganga River, causing it to overflow its banks and surge toward nearby villages.
Dramatic footage circulating on social media shows torrents of water crashing down from the mountains, engulfing homes within moments. Terrified residents can be seen fleeing for their lives, with onlookers shouting warnings in the background.
Rescue efforts are underway, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Indian Army. Sixteen ITBP personnel have already reached the site, and three additional teams have been deployed. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that four more NDRF teams are en route to bolster the operation.
Uttarakhand and other northern Indian states have experienced continuous heavy rainfall over recent days. In Haridwar, the Ganga and Kali rivers are flowing above the danger mark, and on Monday, authorities ordered the closure of all schools and childcare centers in Dehradun as a precaution.
District officials report that ongoing downpours are hindering rescue operations. Several major roads are submerged, and road access to the pilgrimage site of Gangotri has been completely cut off.
The Indian Army’s Surya Command stated that a massive mudslide struck the Khirgarh area of Dharali village, unleashing widespread destruction. The region’s difficult terrain and remote location have made disaster response operations extremely challenging.
Local authorities are evacuating residents to safer areas, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined due to the ongoing emergency and lack of communication in some areas.
Sources: NDTV, PTI