Cloudburst tragedy hits Dharali: Rescue operations in full swing as death toll reaches four

Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a telephonic conversation with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami following a devastating cloudburst in the high-altitude village of Dharali, located in Uttarkashi district. The natural disaster has claimed at least four lives so far, with several others reported missing.

The Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have all been mobilized to carry out intensive search and rescue operations. Teams equipped with specialized tools are working in coordination to locate and assist survivors.

Chief Minister Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “The news of heavy destruction due to the cloudburst in Dharali is extremely distressing. SDRF, NDRF, the district administration, and related agencies are operating at full capacity to carry out rescue and relief efforts. I am in constant touch with senior officials to monitor the situation closely,” he stated.

SDRF Inspector General Arun Mohan Joshi confirmed that immediate deployment was carried out. “Our nearest team reached the site quickly. Two additional units are en route. Operations are being conducted in full coordination with the Army, ITBP, and NDRF,” he said, emphasizing the deployment of advanced rescue equipment.

The cloudburst, which struck on Tuesday morning, unleashed flash floods across Dharali and nearby areas along the route to Gangotri. Several houses were swept away by the sudden deluge triggered by the cloudburst in the Kheer Ganga river’s catchment area, according to local residents.

Dharali, a well-known stopover for tourists heading to Gangotri, is home to numerous hotels, eateries, and homestays. Many of these establishments have reportedly been damaged or destroyed in the floods.

District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, Prashant Arya, confirmed the death toll at four and said that teams from the Army have already arrived on the ground to assist in the operation. “We are working round the clock to rescue those who may still be trapped under debris,” he said.

Rajesh Panwar, a local villager, told PTI that between 10 to 12 people may be buried under rubble and estimated that up to 25 hotels and homestays might have been washed away by the floodwaters.

Dramatic videos circulating on social media show gushing torrents of muddy water mixed with debris engulfing homes and streets, with frightened voices echoing in the background. In one video, people can be heard trying to call relatives, desperate for news about their loved ones in the affected areas.

Emergency services have urged people to stay away from vulnerable areas and to follow the instructions of local authorities. Helicopter support has also been placed on standby for evacuation, if necessary.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, officials warn of the possibility of further rain in the region, which could complicate ongoing operations. The government has assured all necessary support to the affected families and promised compensation.

This tragic incident highlights the growing vulnerability of high-altitude Himalayan regions to extreme weather events, often linked to climate change. Authorities are expected to carry out a detailed assessment once rescue operations conclude.