A catastrophic cloudburst struck Uttarkashi district’s Dharali village near Gangotri on August 5, 2025, unleashing sudden flash floods that devastated the region. The Kheer Ganga river overflowed with ferocious force, sweeping away homes, shops, and hotels in the popular pilgrimage zone. At least four people have been confirmed dead, while more than 50 remain missing and are feared buried beneath debris.
Residents and tourists described harrowing scenes as massive boulders and torrents of water tore through the village in minutes. Entire buildings collapsed, and Dharali — a key stop on the route to Gangotri Dham — bore the brunt of the disaster. Hotels, homestays, and much of the bustling bazaar area were completely inundated.
Rescue teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and fire services responded swiftly despite difficult terrain and relentless rainfall. Emergency shelters have been set up for those displaced, and helicopters are on standby for evacuations if weather permits. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Ajay Tamta assured that relief operations are being carried out on a war footing.
Local accounts suggest that up to 25 hospitality establishments may have been destroyed. Livestock losses and damage to infrastructure have been reported, not only in Dharali but also in neighboring villages impacted by overflowing streams.
Although a heavy rainfall alert had been issued prior to the disaster, many residents and seasonal workers remained in the area. The flood has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to extreme weather, as climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of such events.
Authorities remain on high alert as rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions. The incident serves as a sobering call for stronger climate resilience measures and long-term disaster preparedness across India’s mountainous regions.
