A powerful cloudburst struck the Dharali village near Harsil in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on August 5, 2025, triggering devastating flash floods and massive mudslides. The sudden deluge swept away houses, hotels, and homestays, causing widespread destruction. Visuals shared on social media showed raging waters sweeping through the area, with fiery appeals from residents to seek higher ground immediately.
At least four people have been confirmed dead, while more than 50 individuals are reported missing amid the chaos. Around 40-50 houses were washed away, and many locals are feared trapped under debris. The flash floods were caused by the cloudburst occurring in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, which led to a sudden increase in water levels and landslides.
Rescue efforts mobilized immediately
Within minutes of the cloudburst, the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) sprang into action. Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon stated that an Army column with about 150 personnel reached the site within 10 minutes and began rescue operations. So far, around 20 villagers have been rescued, and the injured have been transported to the Army’s medical facility in Harshil for treatment.
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed deployment of multiple NDRF and ITBP teams, while Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation. The State Disaster Operation Centre remains active with senior officials coordinating relief measures.
Continued cloudburst activity and road blockades
Hours after the Dharali cloudburst, another cloudburst was reported at Sukhi Top, a nearby tourist destination, causing river water levels to rise rapidly although no casualties were reported at this site yet. The continued rain and flash floods prompted authorities to issue a red alert until Wednesday, warning of more heavy rainfall over the region.
Several key roads have been washed out or blocked by landslides, including the Jyotirmath-Malari road near Saldhar and the Dharchula-Gunji route. Police have urged residents and travelers to avoid these routes until cleared and safe. Rescue teams have transported stranded travelers from affected areas.
Government response and helpline numbers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have expressed condolences and assured swift central government assistance to support state rescue and relief operations. Modi spoke with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami to receive updates and emphasized that no stone will be left unturned in efforts to help affected families.
The Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre announced helpline numbers as an important resource for those seeking assistance or information about missing persons:
- 01374-222126
- 01374-222722
- 9456556431
- Other numbers issued include 01374-222722, 7310913129, 7500737269, and more.
Geographical disaster expert D.N. Joshi explained that cloudbursts typically occur in hilly areas after intense short-duration rainfall and that Uttarkashi and Kedarnath Ghati fall under high-risk zones. He urged the public to seek higher ground promptly during such events.
Experts also point to climate change and unchecked urbanization as factors increasing the frequency and severity of floods and landslides in Himalayan states. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization recently called these extreme weather events “distress signals” for the planet’s evolving climate crisis.
Political leaders condemn and call for support
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi voiced sorrow over the tragedy, expressing condolences for the victims and urging authorities to expedite rescue efforts. Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik also expressed anguish and prayed for the victims.
The calamity has brought national attention to Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to natural disasters during monsoons, with coordinated efforts continuing to locate missing persons and provide relief to survivors.
In summary, the Uttarkashi cloudburst on August 5, 2025, has caused severe flash floods and landslides, resulting in multiple deaths and dozens missing. Immediate rescue efforts by the Army and disaster response teams are underway amidst warnings of continued heavy rain and blocked roads. The tragedy highlights the increasing risks faced by hilly Indian regions due to climatic changes and calls for strengthened disaster preparedness and response.
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