Cloudburst triggers flash-floods in Uttarkashi, swallowing entire homes; 4 dead
What's the story
A flash flood caused by a powerful cloudburst in the upper catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river triggered a massive landslide in Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The incident was captured on camera by tourists who witnessed the powerful water stream rushing down from the hills. As many as four people have been killed, and 50 people are feared missing. Dharali is populated with hotels and restaurants, being a tourist town.
Sacred proximity
Eyewitness videos showed water gushing down hillside
The affected area is near the winter seat of Ganga Ji at Mukhba and the holy Gangotri Dham. Eyewitness videos showed water gushing down the hillside with great force, sweeping away houses, and taking debris and vegetation along with it. Reports also suggest that some hotels and homestays have been completely destroyed in the flood.
Twitter Post
Watch the video here
Cloudburst and flash flood in Uttarakhand.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 5, 2025
- Praying for everyone's safety! 🙏❤️pic.twitter.com/OfnSoYL5XA
Rescue
Rescue teams on the way
Rescue teams, including army soldiers, are on their way to Dharali village. "I have been informed about a cloudburst incident in Dharali of Uttarkashi. We are working to rescue the people," Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told local media. According to district authorities, operations are being hampered by blocked roads and continuous rain, but every attempt is being made to locate the missing and support those impacted.
Regional impact
Cloudburst comes amid heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand
The cloudburst comes amid severe monsoon disruption across the Himalayan regions. In Dehradun, Uttarakhand's capital, overnight rains led to the closure of all schools and anganwadi centers on Monday. Rivers such as Ganga in Haridwar and Kali are flowing above danger levels. Meanwhile, neighboring Himachal Pradesh is also witnessing heavy rainfall with 310 roads closed due to rain-related blockages on Monday alone.
Deadly toll
Over 100 dead in Himachal Pradesh due to monsoon mayhem
The monsoon season has been particularly deadly in Himachal Pradesh, with 103 deaths reported so far. The fatalities include 20 due to drowning, 19 from accidental falls, 17 due to cloudbursts, eight from flash floods, and six from landslides. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across the state for both Monday and Tuesday.