Uttarkashi: A devastating flood struck Dharali village in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on August 5, leaving at least four people dead and over 100 missing. The flood swept through the mountain village with immense force, destroying homes, hotels, shops, and roads, and burying parts of the area under thick layers of mud and debris. Early assessments had pointed to a cloudburst as the likely cause, but new expert analyses suggest that a glacier collapse or a glacial lake burst may have been responsible for triggering the disaster.

Dharali, located near the pilgrimage route to Gangotri, was hit without warning. According to eyewitnesses and videos from the scene, a powerful wall of water and sludge came rushing down the slopes, flattening buildings and wiping out large portions of the village. Mud and debris reportedly reached depths of up to 15 meters in some areas. Many of those missing are believed to be tourists, workers, and local residents, some of whom were likely asleep when the flood struck.

Initial reports by the India Meteorological Department indicated heavy rainfall in the area, supporting the theory of a cloudburst. However, as more data was analyzed, scientists began to express doubts. Meteorological data did not show the concentrated levels of rainfall typically associated with cloudbursts. Furthermore, satellite images showed structural changes in nearby glacier zones, prompting glaciologists and disaster experts to suggest that a glacier collapse or a glacial lake outburst flood, known as a GLOF, could have been the actual cause.

A glacial lake outburst flood occurs when a natural dam, made of ice or loose debris, fails and releases large volumes of water that had accumulated from melting glaciers. These events are often sudden and highly destructive, especially in mountainous areas like the Himalayas. Experts warn that with rising global temperatures, glaciers are retreating at a faster pace and forming larger lakes, which increases the risk of such incidents.

The destruction in Dharali has been severe. Several hotels, possibly between 12 and 25, were completely destroyed. Dozens of homes were either swept away or buried. Roads and communication lines have been damaged, and the area remains cut off in many parts. Rescue operations led by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force are ongoing. Around 150 personnel have been deployed, and helicopters are being used to reach isolated areas and airlift the injured. Survivors are receiving treatment in nearby military and civilian hospitals.

This disaster adds to a growing list of climate-related incidents in the Indian Himalayas in recent years. Experts point to climate change as a significant factor, contributing to increased glacial melt, extreme weather patterns, and unstable mountain terrain. They also highlight that unregulated construction of infrastructure like roads, dams, and hotels in fragile ecological zones further weakens the land and reduces its ability to withstand such natural shocks. The combination of environmental degradation and inadequate disaster preparedness has made many Himalayan villages more vulnerable to floods and landslides.

Authorities, including Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed condolences and assured full support for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Schools have been closed in surrounding areas, and alerts have been issued for potential further rainfall. Relief camps have been set up for displaced residents, and teams are working around the clock to find the missing and clear the debris.

The disaster in Dharali is a stark reminder of the growing risks facing Himalayan communities. It underlines the urgent need for better monitoring of glaciers, stricter regulations on mountain development, and improved early warning systems. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, proactive planning and disaster preparedness are essential to prevent such tragedies in the future.