Rescue Ops Continue In Cloud-Burst Hit Dharali In Uttarakhand, Death Toll Climbs To Five

Uttarkashi, August 6 (TNA) Rescue and relief operations continue in Uttarkashi after a devastating cloudburst struck the Dharali area on August 5, triggering massive flash floods and mudslides that have led to significant loss of life and property. As of August 6, the official death toll has risen to five, with more than 50 people, including 11 Army personnel, still missing.

Over 70 residents have been successfully rescued so far, but several villages and tourist accommodations remain severely affected, with up to 20–25 hotels and guesthouses reportedly washed away and many homes destroyed.

Search efforts, led by joint teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), are ongoing despite challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain, and blocked roads. Air operations remain on standby, with the Indian Air Force ready to deploy helicopters for evacuation and supply drops as soon as weather permits.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is personally monitoring the situation and has assured that restoring utilities and infrastructure, as well as providing emergency relief to survivors, is the government’s immediate priority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed condolences and pledged extensive central support.

There remains some confusion regarding the precise cause of the disaster. Despite initial reports labelling it a cloudburst, local rainfall data did not meet the usual cloudburst criteria, and meteorological authorities are considering alternate explanations such as glacial lake outbursts or sudden upstream water releases.

Regardless, the event has devastated the localities of Dharali and Sukhi Top, both key stops on the Gangotri pilgrimage route, leaving families anxiously awaiting news of missing loved ones and emergency teams racing to find survivors.

Authorities have issued a red alert in Uttarkashi and set up emergency helpline numbers for affected families. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as rescue teams work around the clock to locate and assist those still trapped under debris or cut off by the floods.