Flash floods triggered by a cloudburst over the Kheer Ganga river wreaked havoc in Uttarkashi district on August 5, 2025, leaving at least four dead and dozens feared washed away. The picturesque village of Dharali, a crucial stopover on the Gangotri route, witnessed massive destruction as floodwaters gushed through hotels and homes.
CM Dhami Surveys Ground Zero
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached Dharali on Wednesday to review the rescue and relief operations. Accompanied by senior officials, the CM assured swift restoration of essential services like electricity and mobile connectivity. “We are working on war footing,” he stated, adding that PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have promised full support from the Centre.
Rescue agencies, including the Indian Army, SDRF, ITBP, NDRF, and BRO, have rescued over 190 people so far. However, 11 soldiers remain missing from a camp in lower Harsil. Colonel Harshvardhan of 14 Rajputana Rifles confirmed the use of drones and crossings to evacuate trapped civilians from Dharali, Mukhwa, and Harsil.
IAF Joins Relief Mission
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed Mi-17 and ALH Mk-III helicopters for relief efforts. Aircraft from Bareilly and Agra airbases were activated overnight, ferrying rescue equipment and personnel to Dehradun. Search and air-dropping missions are ongoing.
Kerala Tourists Missing, Maharashtra Evacuated
A 28-member Kerala tourist group remains missing following the cloudburst. Families have reported no contact since the group departed for Gangotri. Meanwhile, 51 tourists from Maharashtra have been evacuated safely, according to the State Emergency Operations Centre.
Political Reactions and Calls for Mountain Strategy
Politicians from across party lines expressed grief and stressed the need for a national mountain conservation strategy. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised unplanned infrastructure development. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called the tragedy “heart-wrenching.”
Infrastructure Damage and Alerts
Heavy rains damaged roads on NH-34 between Uttarkashi and Gangotri, including a 100-meter stretch at Papadgad. In Haridwar, the Ganga river is near danger level. Rail services between Haridwar and Dehradun were temporarily suspended due to boulder blockage.
Helpline Numbers Issued
Residents and tourists can contact the following emergency numbers issued by Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre:
- 01374-222126
- 01374-222722
- 9456556431
What’s Next?
Rescue operations will continue until all missing persons are accounted for. The IMD has warned of more heavy rainfall across hill districts. BRO and other agencies are on the ground repairing roads and ensuring supply chains remain intact. The state government has promised full rehabilitation support to the affected families.
Stay Safe
Authorities have urged residents and pilgrims to stay away from riverbanks and high-risk zones. Monitoring and evacuation alerts are active across flood-prone areas in Uttarakhand.