A Deluge of Destruction
A catastrophic flash flood and a massive debris slide have struck the village of Dharali in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, leaving a trail of devastation and triggering a large-scale emergency response. More than 60 people, including several army soldiers, are reported missing after a wall of sludge and water tore through the region on Tuesday afternoon. The disaster has destroyed a significant part of the village’s commercial area, sweeping away dozens of homes, hotels, and shops in a matter of moments.
The Disaster and Its Aftermath
The event unfolded around 1:50 pm when the Kheer Ganga river suddenly swelled, unleashing a torrent of debris into the bustling Dharali market. Initial reports indicate that between 40 and 50 houses were washed away, along with over 20 hotels and homestays that are vital to the local economy. The flash flood also struck an Armed Forces camp located in the lower Harsil area, with approximately 10 soldiers currently unaccounted for.
While the state government has attributed the disaster to a cloudburst, data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has cast doubt on this explanation, showing only moderate rainfall in the immediate area. Officials now suspect that intense, localized rainfall at a much higher elevation may have been the primary cause, triggering the deadly landslide and flood downstream.
A Perilous Rescue Operation
A massive, multi-agency rescue operation is underway, involving personnel from the Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). However, the efforts are being severely hampered by the treacherous conditions on the ground. The sheer volume of thick sludge has made searching for survivors incredibly difficult.
Furthermore, multiple landslides triggered by the event have blocked key roads leading to the disaster site, making it nearly impossible for ground teams and heavy equipment to reach the affected area. Persistent bad weather has also grounded helicopters, preventing the deployment of aerial support which is critical for both rescue and reconnaissance. Despite these challenges, initial response teams have managed to rescue 20 people and move more than 80 villagers to safer locations. Authorities have placed nearby hospitals on high alert and are working to evacuate all residents from at-risk areas along the riverbanks.
Key Pointers
- Massive Casualties Feared: A devastating flash flood in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village has left more than 60 people missing, including around 10 army soldiers.
- Widespread Destruction: The disaster destroyed a large commercial area, washing away 40-50 houses and over 20 hotels and homestays.
- Challenging Rescue Efforts: Rescue operations are being severely hindered by thick sludge, landslides that have blocked access roads, and bad weather preventing air support.
Uncertain Cause: While initially blamed on a cloudburst, meteorological data suggests the flood may have been caused by heavy rainfall at a higher altitude.
