Uttarakhand has been hit by a devastating natural disaster, as a deadly cloudburst and relentless monsoon rains brought widespread destruction and chaos to the region. The remote village of Dharali in Uttarkashi was the epicentre of the calamity, where an intense cloudburst triggered a flash flood, obliterating homes and leaving large areas submerged.
As rescue teams battle against challenging conditions, at least four deaths have been confirmed, with more than 50 individuals still unaccounted for. The persistent torrential downpours have severely hampered efforts to locate and assist those who are trapped.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, expressed his grief over the loss of life and assured all possible help to those affected by a natural calamity. In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his grief, stating, "I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims." He has been in direct communication with Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami to monitor the situation closely.
The continuous heavy rainfall has brought life to a standstill across Uttarakhand. Major rivers, including the Ganga, Alaknanda and Yamuna, are flowing at or above danger levels, intensifying the risk of further flooding. In the capital, Dehradun, residential areas are grappling with severe waterlogging, which has
inundated homes, submerged roads, and completely paralysed traffic. In a state-wide response, authorities have ordered schools shut in numerous districts as the India Meteorological Department maintains an orange alert for further rainfall.
Currently with a report of at least four confirmed deaths, with around 60 people reported missing. The sudden and intense downpour caused a massive flash flood carrying debris and mud, devastating homes, shops, and infrastructure. Rescue teams have evacuated 15–20 individuals, but many remain trapped under mud and debris. The disaster also affected nearby villages and caused significant damage to roads and buildings. The death toll may rise as search efforts continue in the challenging terrain compounded by ongoing heavy rainfall
Rescue operations are being spearheaded by a multi-agency team comprising the NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and the Army. The state’s Chief Minister has appealed for calm while overseeing emergency relief measures.