Heavy Rainfall Floods Dharali Close to Harsil in Uttarkashi, Many Believed Missing
Catastrophic Cloudburst Strikes Uttarakhand, Triggering Floods and Landslides
A major cloudburst hit Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on August 5, 2025, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and leaving many missing[1][3][4]. The intense rainfall and resulting torrents swept away homes, hotels, markets, and infrastructure, cutting off connectivity to the area, including Gangotri Dham, and paralyzing local roads[1][3].
Rescue Efforts Underway
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, with the Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), ITBP, and the district administration actively involved in search and rescue efforts. As of now, around 190 people have been rescued, and about 70 evacuated to safe shelters[1][3][4]. However, with continued heavy rains and blocked roads, the situation remains precarious.
Government Support
Local authorities, including Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and central government officials, have pledged full support for the affected region[1][3]. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is overseeing the relief and rescue operations and is in constant contact with senior officials regarding the cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi.
Damage Assessment
Damage assessments reveal widespread destruction of the village and infrastructure. The natural drainage disruption caused by increased commercialization in Dharali has worsened flooding impacts. Additionally, a second cloudburst was reported near Sukhi Top, close to Dharali, raising fears of further damage and complicating rescue efforts[1][3]. Some experts have questioned whether glacial melt contributed alongside or instead of the cloudburst, based on rainfall data analysis, but the primary cause is still cloudburst-triggered flooding and landslides[2].
Additional Risks
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red' alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand today, and a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain expected throughout the week. This has raised concerns about additional risks to the region, including the swelling of the Ganga river in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, due to continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days.
The cloudburst event highlights Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to extreme monsoon events aggravated by environmental changes and infrastructure pressures[1][3][4].
[1] The Hindu
[2] NDTV
[3] The Times of India
[4] The Indian Express
- To address the escalating situation and future challenges, weather-forecasting agencies must improve their predictions and warn the authorities promptly about any potential cloudbursts in Uttarakhand.
- Given the severe damages caused by the recent cloudburst in Dharali, immediate steps should be taken to improve the area's weather-resilient infrastructure, including better drainage systems and sustainable land management practices.
