On August 5, a sudden and intense cloudburst over the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river triggered a catastrophic flash flood and landslide in Dharali village, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. Within minutes, raging torrents of water, mud, and debris cascaded down the hillside, engulfing homes, shops, roads, and local hotels in the village market area.
Rapid Response: Army, NDRF, SDRF Join Forces in Rescue
Within ten minutes of the disaster, the Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade stationed at nearby Harshil was on site, arriving with around 150 soldiers, medical staff, and rescue equipment. They began evacuating survivors and guiding injured villagers to medical help. By mid-day, they had rescued between 15 and 20 people.
The National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force also deployed teams, along with personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police .
Why Cloudbursts Are So Dangerous in the Himalayas
Cloudbursts are sudden and extremely heavy rainfall events, often dropping over 100 mm in less than an hour. These are especially common in mountainous regions like Uttarakhand. When such intense rain falls on steep and fragile terrain, it quickly triggers devastating floods and landslides sometimes within just minutes. Moreover, geologists point out that factors like climate change, rapid glacier melt, and unchecked hillside development have further increased both the frequency and impact of these destructive events.
This event fits a worrying pattern. In 2023 and 2024, heavy rains and cloudbursts caused major floods across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, killing hundreds and damaging infrastructure.
Aftermath and Ongoing Challenges Ahead
Rescue teams face steep challenges. Rain continues to fall, roads remain blocked by debris, and rescue equipment cannot easily reach remote areas. Authorities hope to recover bodies and locate all missing persons soon.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both expressed condolence and assured full government support. Relief efforts continue on a war footing.
Emergency warnings remain for heavy rain across Uttarakhand until August 10.This disaster highlights an urgent need: Himalayan regions like Uttarakhand are extremely vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Officials and experts say there’s a pressing need for improved disaster preparedness, early-warning systems, safer riverbank planning, and responsible hill development. Without these measures, nature’s fury may strike again with greater force and tragedy.
