At Least 4 Die as Devastating Flash Floods Hit Uttarkashi; PM Offers Condolences and Rescue Teams Deployed

PTI,  Uttarkashi, Aug 5: A cloudburst led to flash floods in the high-altitude villages of Dharali, on the way to Gangotri, on Tuesday. The devastating floods caused extensive damage to several houses and claimed at least four lives, officials said. Dharali, a key stopover on the way to Gangotri, is home to many hotels, restaurants, and homestays.

The flash floods followed a cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, locals reported. According to initial reports, four people have died, said Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya. An Army team from Harsil has been dispatched to the site. Rajesh Panwar, a villager, informed PTI that about 10-12 people could be buried under debris. "Around 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away," he said.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow over the incident. "The news of heavy losses due to cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) is extremely sad and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing," Dhami said in a post on X. "I am constantly in touch with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone’s safety," the Chief Minister added.

The flash floods caused widespread panic in neighboring villages. Videos from the area showed a torrent of muddy water and silt rushing down the slopes toward settlements along the riverbanks, with people screaming in fear. In one video, individuals could be heard gasping for breath while trying to contact relatives to check on their safety. A voice was heard in the video saying, "Everything is finished."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident. "The news of the flash floods in Dharali, Uttarkashi, is deeply tragic and saddening. I am praying for the well-being of those affected by the disaster," he said. Modi assured that full assistance was being provided. "I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Relief and rescue teams are at work, and no stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people," the Prime Minister added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Chief Minister Dhami to assess the situation and ordered the dispatch of seven rescue teams. "Spoke to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood in Dharali (Uttarkashi) to get information about the incident. Three ITBP teams stationed nearby have been sent to the spot, while four NDRF teams have also been dispatched and will soon engage in rescue operations," Shah wrote on X in Hindi.