Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand : A powerful cloudburst struck Dharali village near Harsil in the Kheer Ganga valley of Uttarkashi district on August 5, triggering flash floods and a massive landslide that swept away the entire village, including houses, hotels, and infrastructure. The sudden deluge caused by the cloudburst left behind a trail of destruction, killing at least four people and leaving more than 60 missing.

Local reports indicate that around 20 to 25 buildings, including several homestays and small hotels, were completely destroyed as gushing floodwaters engulfed the village. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment when water mixed with debris, boulders, and mud came rushing down the slopes, leaving residents and tourists with little time to escape.

Rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and local authorities are underway. The challenging terrain and ongoing rainfall are hampering efforts to reach remote locations and recover those trapped under the debris. Search dogs, helicopters, and earthmovers have been deployed to support the mission.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami have both assured full support and have directed agencies to expedite relief operations. Emergency teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have also been mobilized to assist with rescue and relief efforts in the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region, predicting continued heavy rainfall over the next few days. More than 100 roads and national highways, including key routes to the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, have been blocked due to landslides and rising water levels.

This is the latest in a series of monsoon-related disasters in the region this year. Earlier incidents included a fatal landslide in the Silai Band area that left nine laborers missing and two confirmed dead. Experts and environmentalists continue to warn about the increasing frequency and intensity of such events, citing climate change and unplanned development in ecologically sensitive areas as contributing factors.

Residents have raised concerns about the lack of proper disaster preparedness and infrastructure in the hilly terrain, urging authorities to implement long-term solutions to protect lives and livelihoods.

As rescue operations continue, the full scale of the tragedy is still unfolding. Authorities are expected to release updated casualty and damage figures in the coming days.