Uttarkashi: A massive cloudburst wreaked havoc in the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, washing away an entire village and leaving several people feared missing. The sudden deluge caused extensive damage, particularly in the Kheer Gadh locality, and triggered a large-scale emergency response.
According to officials, the cloudburst led to a sharp surge in water levels, damaging the Dharali market area and cutting off parts of the region. Police, the Fire Department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army were immediately deployed to lead relief and rescue operations.
“Due to the rising water levels in Kheer Gadh in Dharali, Uttarkashi, reports of damage have been received in the Dharali market area. Police, Fire department, SDRF and Army, along with other disaster relief and rescue teams, are engaged in relief and rescue operations at the scene,” Uttarakhand Police said in a public advisory.
Authorities have appealed to residents to stay away from riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock.
CM Dhami: “Relief Efforts on a War Footing”
Expressing grave concern over the disaster, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that relief work is being conducted with urgency.
“The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing,” Dhami posted on social media platform X.
“I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone’s safety,” he added.
Rainfall Warning Was Issued in Advance
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an alert for “extremely heavy rainfall” in Uttarakhand, including in districts like Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, and Chamoli. The warning was in effect from August 4 onward — a day before the disaster struck.
As a precautionary measure, the Dehradun district administration had ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 12 and Anganwadi centres on August 4. CM Dhami had also held a virtual meeting with District Magistrates of all 13 districts to assess preparedness amid the forecast.
Search for Missing Continues
While the exact number of missing persons is yet to be confirmed, search operations are ongoing. The disaster has once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly during the monsoon season.
The situation remains tense, with more rain forecast in the coming days. Authorities are on high alert, and evacuation and shelter arrangements are being made for affected residents.
