Disaster Strikes Uttarkashi: Cloudburst Causes Widespread Damage:
Two separate cloudbursts in Dharali and Sukhi Top wreaked havoc across the region, with Dharali in Uttarkashi bearing the brunt of the impact. Shocking visuals from the site reveal the extent of devastation, as torrents of muddy water swept through homes and roads, leaving behind a path of widespread destruction and debris.
Rescue and relief operations are currently underway in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, following a devastating cloudburst that triggered flash floods and landslides, severely impacting the region and blocking several parts of the Uttarkashi-Harsil road.
Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to remove debris and restore connectivity, while a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) remains stationed at the affected site to assist with ongoing efforts.
A significant portion of the road near Bhatwadi was washed away, cutting off access to Harsil overnight. Dharali, one of the worst-affected areas, lies about 50 kilometers from the cloudburst site.
Two separate cloudbursts were reported—one in Dharali and another in Sukhi Top—resulting in widespread damage. Flash floods swept away homes, shops, and roads, with several people reportedly missing. Additional mudslides and flooding have compounded the crisis.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall alerts for several parts of Uttarakhand, particularly in the hill districts, urging caution and preparedness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to assess the situation following the devastating cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi. “I express my condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi… I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and taken stock of the situation,” PM Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended full support from the Centre, instructing the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams to assist with relief efforts. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered his support and discussed the situation with CM Dhami over the phone.
Returning from Andhra Pradesh in the wake of the disaster, Chief Minister Dhami went directly to the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun, where he has been overseeing rescue and relief operations in coordination with senior officials.
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In a statement to ANI, CM Dhami said that restoring electricity and communication services is among the top priorities, and efforts are being carried out on a war footing.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured us of complete support from the central government, and the Home Minister has also extended full cooperation. I am grateful to both,” he said.
“We are working to ensure that all essential services are restored at the earliest. The electricity department and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam are working jointly, with power expected to be restored by tonight. Mobile and internet services were also disrupted due to tower damage, but swift action is underway,” the Chief Minister added.
