Tragedy Strikes Uttarakhand: Flash Floods Leave Many Trapped

Rescue teams are working desperately to find individuals trapped in a riverside village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, following a catastrophic cloudburst that led to severe flash flooding.

Rescue operations are underway in the aftermath of a cloudburst that has caused catastrophic flash floods in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The disaster struck around 13:30 local time, inundating the village of Dharali in Uttarkashi district, known for its tourist attractions and hospitality facilities. Witnesses describe a torrent of muddy water overwhelming the area, destroying buildings and leaving many people trapped beneath debris.

The sudden deluge arose from intense rainfall that filled the Kheerganga river, creating a violent surge that swept away roads, homes, and businesses. Eyewitnesses captured the harrowing scene, where bystanders urged others to flee as the raging waters surged, but many could not escape in time. The revered Kalpkedar temple is reported damaged, adding cultural loss to the human tragedy.

Emergency responders, including army and paramilitary teams, have been deployed to assist, but ongoing heavy rains are complicating rescue efforts. A blockade formed by flood debris has given rise to an artificial lake, raising fears of further flooding downstream, threatening nearby settlements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured that extensive relief efforts are in progress online. Meanwhile, local officials have faced challenges with communication in the affected region but continue to assess the situation as conditions remain perilous. Injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at an army camp nearby, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive assistance in the face of this natural disaster.