Catastrophic cloudbursts in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday triggered severe flash floods and mudslides, causing widespread devastation. Entire market areas, homes, and roads were swept away, with over 50 people feared missing and more than 130 rescued so far.
The twin cloudbursts struck Dharali and Sukhi Top, with Dharali bearing the worst impact. Torrents of water and debris rushed through villages, destroying everything in their path. A massive mudslide in the Kheer Gadh area exacerbated the destruction.
Rescue and relief operations are being conducted at full scale by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The State Emergency Operation Centre remains in close coordination with district officials.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who returned early from Andhra Pradesh, has been actively supervising operations from the State Emergency Centre in Dehradun. He assured that all necessary services — especially power and connectivity — are being restored on a war footing.
“Restoring electricity and communication is a top priority. We are working with the Jal Vidyut Nigam and the electricity department to bring back services by tonight. The government stands firmly with every affected citizen,” Dhami stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured full central support. “I have spoken with CM Dhami and received updates. My prayers are with those affected,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also pledged full assistance, while Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath called Dhami to extend support.
Troops from the Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade have been mobilized, with Colonel Harshvardhan of the 14 Rajput Rifles leading 150 personnel despite severe challenges, including damage to their own base and 11 missing soldiers. The Defence PRO confirmed ongoing rescue efforts under extreme conditions.
The Indian Air Force has kept Chinook, Mi-17 V5, ALH, and Cheetah helicopters on standby at Chandigarh, ready to deploy once weather conditions improve.
Three NDRF teams of 35 members each have reached Harsil. According to DIG (Ops) of NDRF West Central Zone, Mohsen Shahedi, around 40–50 houses were washed away and over 50 people are feared missing.
The SDRF has deployed advanced tools including drones, victim location cameras, thermal imaging devices, diamond-tipped chainsaws, and portable lighting equipment for night-time operations.
BJP MP Ajay Bhatt confirmed that four soldiers are missing in the Harsil area, with efforts continuing throughout the night. “Medical and food supplies have been arranged. We’re doing everything humanly possible,” he said.
Tehri Garhwal MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah remarked that the devastation is comparable — or even greater — than the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy. “Rescue teams are on their way, but blocked roads are delaying operations,” she added.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, particularly in the hill districts, raising concerns about further landslides or flooding.
Restoration of critical infrastructure like electricity, roads, and telecom remains underway, as thousands await assistance in the remote Himalayan terrain.
