A massive cloudburst in Uttarkashi district has triggered devastating flash floods and landslides, leaving several areas in ruins and prompting large-scale rescue operations in Dharali and Sukhi Top.
Multiple rescue agencies, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army, are working round the clock to evacuate stranded individuals and search for those missing.
“Five ITBP teams comprising 130 jawans are currently on ground in Dharali, and over 100 more are on their way,” said ITBP spokesperson Kamlesh Kamal, adding that over 100 people have already been rescued, and one body was recovered this morning.
Efforts are being ramped up with the restoration of communication lines, which had been disrupted due to the floods and landslides.
In Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur, flash floods washed away a major trekking path near Tangling, stranding hundreds of Kinnaur Kailash Yatra pilgrims. Kamal confirmed that 413 people have been rescued, with another 100 awaiting evacuation. One casualty has been reported so far.
“A makeshift wooden bridge collapsed due to the surging water levels. While many were initially stranded, 57 were rescued this morning alone,” he added.
Meanwhile, NDRF Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi reported four confirmed deaths and over 50 people missing in Uttarkashi, with flash floods reported in Harsil and Sukhi Top. Alarmingly, 11 Army jawans are also missing in Harsil.
“Due to multiple road blockages, teams are struggling to reach the affected sites. However, we are prepared to airlift people from Dehradun once conditions permit,” said Shahedi.
The Rishikesh–Uttarkashi Highway remains partially blocked, hampering the pace of rescue operations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is personally overseeing relief efforts. He visited ground zero in Dharali, met locals, and surveyed the damage caused by the cloudburst and mudslide. Earlier, he chaired a high-level disaster management meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
Dhami also conducted an aerial survey of affected regions and visited Joshiyada helipad to monitor operations.
The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra has been suspended by the Kinnaur district administration due to extensive damage along the pilgrimage route.
Rescue and relief efforts are continuing at full scale with support from both state and central authorities, as officials work urgently to restore connectivity and bring the situation under control.
