By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 5 Aug: A devastating flash flood triggered by a suspected cloudburst struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi district this afternoon which flooded the Kheer Ganga River, causing large-scale destruction of property. At least 4 have been confirmed dead while there is a strong possibility of many having been swept away or getting buried below the debris. The flash flood swept through the Dharali market area, severely damaging or destroying many buildings including hotels, homes, and shops. Rescue operations are underway as PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah and CM Pushkar Singh have expressed grief over the tragedy.
The District Magistrate has confirmed four deaths so far, while fears persist that many more may be trapped under the debris as the search continues.
Chief Minister Dhami has shared that relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing. In view of the magnitude of the disaster, the Indian Army has been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. The Army reported that the landslide occurred around four kilometres from its Harsil camp, prompting a swift response by 150 personnel from the IBEX Brigade. The Army teams have reportedly begun digging through debris and have so far rescued around twenty people. The injured are receiving treatment at the Army’s medical centre in Harsil.
According to a statement issued by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), following the report of extensive damage to several buildings, hotels, and shops in the Dharali market area due to a sudden rise in the water level and heavy debris flow in the Khirgad stream around 1:50 p.m., a swift response was initiated. SDRF, Fire Department, Army, local administration, and other rescue teams have started relief and rescue operations. Additional forces from SDRF, NDRF, Army, ITBP, and police have been sent to the site to assist in the search, rescue, and relief efforts.
The gravity of the situation is highlighted by the destruction of more than twenty-five hotels and homestays. The local residents fear that a significant number of people have either been swept away by the floods or are buried under rubble. Eyewitnesses recount the sheer force of the deluge, which swept through the market area so suddenly that it offered little chance for escape. Those on higher ground raised the alarm, but their warnings were virtually drowned out by the roar of the floodwaters, which transformed the normally tranquil market into a scene of devastation in moments.
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has released a statement confirming that following reports of extensive damage around 1:50 p.m. due to a sudden increase in water level and heavy debris flow, a swift and coordinated response was set in motion. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force, Fire Department, Army, local administration, and other agencies started relief and rescue operations without delay. Reinforcements from the SDRF, NDRF, Army, ITBP, and police have also been dispatched to support search and rescue work. The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of Uttarkashi have rushed to Dharali to provide on-ground supervision. Local hospitals have reserved beds, with AIIMS Dehradun and Doon Hospital also on standby, while ambulances have been mobilised to deal with any further casualties.
The Air Force has also been contacted by the state government for aerial assistance, and arrangements are underway for two MI helicopters and one Chinook helicopter to support relief efforts, while two UCAADA helicopters stand ready for deployment once weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, residents of Dharali are being moved to safer locations as a precaution against further unexpected calamity. Special equipment such as victim location cameras, thermal imaging cameras, RR saws, and drones have been sent to the site to aid the rescue mission.
Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu informed the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs of these developments. The CM has received assurance from the Central Government of all possible assistance and is maintaining constant coordination with senior Central Government officials.
At the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun, the Director General of Police, Home Secretary, Commissioner, Garhwal, and other senior officials are closely monitoring relief and rescue activities. A video conference with the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi was also held to ensure accurate updates and seamless coordination.
Efforts to open blocked roads are ongoing, and the Border Roads Organisation and Public Works Department (PWD) are engaged to restore connectivity at the earliest. Relief and rescue teams continue to face difficulties due to blocked roads and persistent bad weather, but as soon as conditions improve, they will advance both by air and road.
The situation in Dharali remains extremely critical, with all agencies working in coordination to bring succour to those affected and to ensure that relief and rescue operations proceed with utmost urgency and efficiency.
Meanwhile, in another incident, this morning, the Banal Patti area of Barkot tehsil in Uttarkashi district experienced very heavy rainfall. A large number of goats were reported to have been swept away in a stream due to the downpour.
