Uttarkashi: In a devastating turn of nature’s fury, Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district was hit by a violent cloudburst on Tuesday afternoon, unleashing a torrent of destruction in the serene mountain villages of Dharali and Sukki. What began as a heavy downpour quickly spiraled into deadly flash floods and mudslides, leaving behind a trail of crumbled homes, scattered belongings, and missing lives.
At least five lives have been lost, and over 50 individuals remain unaccounted for. The calamity struck with such intensity that homes in Dharali collapsed like paper houses, washing away businesses, restaurants, and homestays in seconds. Gut-wrenching visuals captured the horror desperate cries echoed as residents pleaded for help, watching their homes vanish into the raging waters.
The cloudburst struck the Harsil sector, a region nestled in the higher reaches near the Indo-Tibetan border, triggering landslides that blocked key roads and collapsed a vital bridge. The dual fury of the floods flowing from both sides of the same hill inundated Dharali on one end and Sukki village on the other.
Amid the chaos, the Indian Army swung into rapid action. A full-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation was launched near the disaster zone. With over 225 soldiers on the ground, including engineering units and rescue teams with specialized equipment like Reeco Radars and trained search dogs, the military is leading the mission to locate the missing and clear debris.
Tragically, 11 Indian Army personnel stationed at a camp in Harsil are reported missing, adding urgency and sorrow to the already grim situation.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the flood-hit region today, overseeing rescue and relief efforts and reassuring the affected that help is pouring in. “So far, 130 people have been successfully rescued,” Dhami confirmed, while expressing grief over the lives lost and promising rehabilitation support for the affected families.
A red alert remains in force across Uttarkashi district. The government has released emergency helpline numbers to aid those seeking assistance or information: 01374-222722, 7310913129, 7500737269, 0135-2710334, 2710335, 8218867005, 9058441404.
Amidst all the chaos, a sigh of relief came from Kerala. A group of 28 Malayali tourists, initially reported missing, has been confirmed safe. According to the Uttarakhand Malayali Samajam president, Dinesh, the group was stranded about 4 kilometers from the Gangotri disaster site but is now secure. The driver accompanying the group confirmed their safety, and the vehicle was successfully located.
As the rescue operations continue and the search for the missing intensifies, Uttarkashi stands as a grim reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the resilience of those who rise in its wake.