Uttarkashi, August 5, 2025:
A devastating cloudburst hit close to Gan village within the Dharali region in the Uttarkashi district late on Monday night, creating a huge landslide which killed four people, and left more than 50 people missing, officials in the area confirmed.
The torrential downpour caused massive destruction as mud, boulders and water swept through villages in remote areas, sweeping away livestock, houses as well as vehicles. The region, which is in route from Gangotri Dham, is now almost completely cut off by closed roads and damaged bridges.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency teams comprising The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as well as the Indian Army are engaged in massive search and rescue missions. However, the ongoing rain and unstable terrain is thwarting efforts.
“Our priority is to locate the missing and provide immediate medical help to the injured,” said District Magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht. “We’ve deployed drones and sniffer dogs, and additional rescue units are on their way.”
#BreakingNews | Village washed away, several feared missing after a major cloudburst struck Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi#Uttarkashi #Uttarakhand #UttarakhandNews #CloudBurst #Harsil pic.twitter.com/ne6JNzXa5Q
— DD News (@DDNewslive) August 5, 2025
Travel Advisory
The main road that leads to Gangotri is currently closed and pilgrims are advised to stay clear of traveling until the situation is stabilized. It is reported that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an warning in the form of a Red Alert for heavy rain in the region of Uttarakhand for the next 48 hours.
CM’s Statement
the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended condolences to family members of those who died and promised a payment of Rs4 lakh for each family. Food aid and relief camps are being planned for the residents who have been affected.
