A powerful cloudburst struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, leading to severe flash flooding and destruction. On Tuesday afternoon, the unexpected deluge triggered a massive landslide, which left the village in ruins. Rescue operations are currently in progress, with multiple agencies working tirelessly to assist those affected.
In a shocking video that has gone viral, an unidentified man is seen crawling out of thick sludge and debris. Surrounded by devastation, he struggles to move forward. Onlookers from a higher ground can be heard shouting encouragement, urging him to ‘Bhaag… bhaag’ (run, run). The footage captures the desperation of the moment as he fights to escape the mud but eventually collapses and crawls to safety.
Another man can be seen running in the chaos, but his fate remains unknown. Voices in the background urge rescuers to assist him as well. The scene reflects the panic and urgency faced by those caught in the disaster.
The cloudburst occurred around 1:45 PM, leading to a surge of water and debris that swept away houses and damaged several others. Initial reports indicate that four people have died, while over fifty are still missing. Local authorities fear that many may be trapped under the rubble, as the disaster has buried numerous homes, hotels, and shops.
Rescue teams from the Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the affected area. A joint team of 201 personnel, including police and ambulance services, is working around the clock to locate survivors. Furthermore, a second wave of 211 responders has also been dispatched to assist in the rescue efforts.
The cloudburst occurred in the Kheer Ganga river catchment area, which is known for its heavy rainfall. The sudden flood caused by the cloudburst has left many families devastated. Villagers have reported that Dharali, a key stopover for tourists on the way to Gangotri, has been among the worst hit, with many of its hotels and homestays washed away.
Emergency Operations Centres have been activated, with senior administrative officials overseeing the response. Helipad operations at Jhala have been initiated to support aerial rescue efforts. Alerts have been issued to residents living near riverbanks in surrounding areas, advising them to stay safe.
Despite the destruction, drinking water supplies remain unaffected in the region. However, power outages are widespread, with communication lines disrupted in many areas. Efforts are ongoing to restore both power and communication services as rescue operations continue.
Local leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy. In a post on social media, he shared his sorrow and assured the public that every possible effort is being made to assist the rescue teams. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have also communicated their support and concern for the victims.
As rescue teams continue to work in challenging conditions, the community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time. Many colleges in the region have been turned into relief shelters, providing safety and comfort to those displaced by the disaster.
The situation remains critical as authorities monitor the ongoing rescue operations closely. With many still unaccounted for, the hope for more survivors remains strong as the community and rescue teams strive to overcome the aftermath of this devastating event.