Cloudburst in Uttarkashi Leaves Trail of Destruction; Rescue Operations Intensify

Uttarkashi: A sudden cloudburst in the Dharali region of Uttarkashi late Tuesday evening unleashed devastating flash floods across several settlements, leaving a grim trail of destruction and panic. According to early estimates, at least four people have died, while over 60 are still missing or feared trapped under debris. The Kheer Ganga river, swollen by torrential rainfall, breached its banks and swept away homes, shops, and sacred sites in its path.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with muddy torrents tearing through buildings and people running for shelter in the darkness. Videos recorded by locals showed entire structures being uprooted within minutes, with frightened voices crying out as the floodwaters surged.

Among the most heartbreaking losses was the ancient Kalp Kedar temple, believed to be centuries old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Revered for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty, the temple was completely buried under several feet of mud and rock. Locals say it had survived previous natural disasters but could not withstand the sheer force of Tuesday’s deluge.

The flash flood also dealt a major blow to the ongoing Kedarnath Yatra. Authorities have suspended the pilgrimage temporarily as key routes like Sonprayag-Gaurikund remain blocked by landslides. Road access to several remote villages in the region has been completely cut off, making rescue operations even more difficult.

Despite harsh weather conditions, rescue teams comprising the NDRF, SDRF, Army, ITBP and state police have been pressed into action. Over 130 people have already been pulled to safety from submerged buildings and damaged roads. However, the terrain remains challenging, with constant rain hampering search efforts.

In a concerning development, around 8–10 Indian Army personnel stationed near Harsil were reported missing. Authorities suspect their camp may have been hit by a sudden wave of floodwater. Operations are ongoing to trace their location.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been monitoring the situation from the state control room. He spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured the Centre’s full support. Priority is being given to restoring electricity, road connectivity, and communication lines in the disaster-hit areas.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Uttarkashi and neighboring districts, predicting more rainfall in the next 48 hours. Schools and colleges in over ten districts including Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, and Nainital have been ordered shut as a precaution.

Meanwhile, train services on the Haridwar-Dehradun line were briefly disrupted after large boulders fell on the tracks near Motichur. No casualties were reported, and restoration teams are working to clear the line.

Leaders across party lines expressed concern over the recurring disasters in the fragile Himalayan belt. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav stressed the urgent need to re-examine environmental policies and regulate unplanned construction in ecologically sensitive zones. Others echoed calls for greater investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure.