Cloudburst Triggers Chaos in Dharali
What was once a serene Himalayan village known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance has now turned into a scene of utter devastation. A massive cloudburst over the Kheer Ganga River unleashed a furious flood on Tuesday, wreaking havoc across Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.
Cloudburst Triggers Chaos in Dharali
Torrents of Destruction: Helipad Washed Away, Army Camp Struck
The sudden surge of water swallowed entire portions of Dharali market, submerging nearby villages and flattening houses, homestays, and hotels. In a chilling turn of events, an Army camp in Harshil, just 4 km from the epicenter, was also hit hard. Debris buried parts of the camp, and 8 to 10 soldiers are still missing. Despite their own losses, the 14 Rajrif Unit soldiers are courageously leading rescue efforts on the ground.
Cloudburst Triggers Chaos in Dharali
Relief Operations in Full Swing
As the disaster unfolded, Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP teams sprang into action. Around 80 army personnel are on the ground, pulling survivors from the wreckage. Meanwhile, Air Force helicopters including Chinook, MI-17, Cheetah, and ALH are on standby, waiting for the skies to clear before delivering critical relief supplies and medical teams to the affected area.
Cloudburst Triggers Chaos in Dharali
Casualties and Missing Persons Mount
Tragically, five people have been confirmed dead, and more than 50 remain missing, with fears that tourists may be among them. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya described how a sudden wall of water and mud surged into the valley, turning the entire area into what looked like a temporary lake. The landslide in Dharali further deepened the crisis.
Cloudburst Triggers Chaos in Dharali
Government Responds Swiftly
Responding to the tragedy, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami rushed to the State Disaster Operation Center in Dehradun. He assured the public that relief work is being carried out on a war footing. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah both spoke with the CM, pledging full central assistance. President Droupadi Murmu also extended condolences to those affected.
Cloudburst Triggers Chaos in Dharali
Emergency helpline numbers have been issued for those seeking help or information:
📞 01374-222126, 01374-222722, 9456556431
Weather Still a Threat
The IMD had already sounded a heavy rain alert for Uttarkashi on August 4. With more downpours expected, rescue teams face uphill challenges, especially with landslides in Netla cutting off access routes to Dharali. Authorities have urged locals and tourists to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer locations immediately.
From Paradise to Disaster Zone
Once a postcard-perfect stop on the route to Gangotri Dham, Dharali just 7 km from Harshil and 79 km from Uttarkashi now lies battered and buried under layers of mud, debris, and heartbreak. Even as the scale of the devastation becomes clearer, the courage and quick action of the rescue forces offer a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
