Uttarkashi: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), in coordination with other agencies, rescued 37 people, including 11 women and 4 children, amid the devastation by the Dharali cloudburst, causing flash floods in the region.
According to an official statement, the injured have been safely evacuated to ITBP Border Out Posts (BOP) Kopang, and the injured have been provided with first aid.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the state Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun and took stock of the disastrous situation in the state due to the cloudbursts in Uttarkashi district. Rescue and relief efforts are being carried out on a war footing, according to the state government, with the help of multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, SDRF, Fire Services, Army, local administration/police, and other rescue teams. Due to the significant rise in water levels, there has been damage to several buildings, hotels, and shops.
The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of Uttarkashi have also immediately left for Dharali. The incident site is 80 kilometres from the Uttarkashi district headquarters. The nearest hospital is 5 km away, the district hospital is 88 km away, and AIIMS Dehradun is 246 km away, the Uttarakhand government said.
The Acting Chief Secretary, RK Sudhanshu, has informed the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs about the incident. Sudhanshu stated that the Central Government has assured all possible assistance for relief and rescue operations. Continuous coordination is being maintained with senior Central Government officials.
SDRF has dispatched victim location cameras, thermal imaging cameras, RR saws, diamond chain saws, carbide-tipped chain saws, chipping hammers, drones, pelican lights, dragon lights, and medical resources to the incident site. The State Emergency Operation Centre is in constant contact with the District Magistrate and SSP.
In various affected areas of the state, local administration, along with police, have issued advisories to people, urging them not to travel unless necessary.
Given the disaster situation, three more IAS officers have been deployed in Uttarkashi till further orders. (ANI)
A massive cloudburst struck the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarkashi district, unleashing widespread destruction, according to Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya. The disaster, which occurred early Tuesday, has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and homes, particularly along the Gangotri-Dham route.
The cloudburst has resulted in a confirmed death toll of at least four people, with several others feared missing. Reports indicate that 30 to 50 individuals could be unaccounted for, though local estimates suggest the number of missing or deceased may be higher.
The cloudburst has led to severe disruptions, with the Sobla-Dhakar motor road blocked and several villages, including Sobla, facing heavy damage. Visuals from the scene show roads buried under debris, leaving commuters stranded. The Yamunotri and Badrinath highways have also been impacted, with debris blocking key routes, hampering rescue efforts.
IMD Issues Red Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Nainital, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Authorities have urged residents and pilgrims to stay in safe locations and avoid travel until conditions stabilize.
This incident follows a series of cloudbursts in Uttarakhand, including a devastating event in June 2025 that claimed two lives and left seven missing in the Silai Band area. Experts attribute the increasing frequency of such events to climate change and unplanned development in the fragile Himalayan region.
Rescue operations continue as the state braces for more rain, with officials emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness.