A sudden cloudburst has wreaked havoc in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, leaving more than 100 people missing. The flash floods, triggered by torrential rains, surged through Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, sweeping away roads and buildings in their path. Rescue operations are underway, but damaged infrastructure and relentless rainfall are hampering efforts.
Officials report that around 130 people have already been rescued, but communication failures and sludge-covered terrain are slowing progress. Four deaths have been reported by local media, though authorities have yet to confirm any fatalities. Among the missing are at least 10 soldiers stationed at the nearby Harsil army base.
The Kheerganga river swelled violently after the cloudburst, sending a deadly wave of muddy water crashing down the hills. Dharali, a usually bustling tourist spot, now lies submerged under debris. The Bhagirathi river, a tributary of the Ganges, has formed an artificial lake after being blocked by sludge, raising fears of further flooding downstream.
Uttarakhand has been lashed by heavy rains for weeks, and the weather shows no signs of easing. Forecasts predict more downpours, increasing the risk of landslides. Schools in some areas have been shut, and travel warnings remain in effect.
The region is no stranger to disaster. In 2021, over 200 people died in similar floods. Even deadlier was the 2013 catastrophe in Kedarnath, which claimed thousands of lives. Residents say the low tourist numbers during monsoon season may have prevented greater loss of life this time.
Rescue teams from national and state disaster response forces are on the ground, but their work is far from over. With roads cracked and power lines down, reaching survivors remains a challenge. For now, the focus is on clearing debris and locating those still missing.