Uttarkashi Flood 2025 Leaves Trail of Destruction

Dharali blanketed by Flash Floods

A flash flood struck the hills of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. It killed at least four people. Also, it left over 60 people feared missing after a cloudburst sent the Kheer Ganga river surging. The sudden rush of water swept across Dharali village at nearly 8,600 feet above sea level. It left a path of mass destruction to people and property.

Videos online showed some harrowing scenes of rushing muddy water consuming buildings, hotels, homes, and people. Within minutes, the beautiful tourist destination looked like a mudslide everywhere.

25 Structures Destroyed; Extensive Material Loss

So far, the best guess by district admin’s early estimates of loss is that total of 25 structures. This includes guesthouses, shops, and homes, were completely destroyed. Through unverified anecdotal reports from witnesses shared an awful sight of people yelling to each other back & forth to each other. While the river obliterated the entire marketplace, which was a busy place.

Authorities estimate that there are still 60-70 missing/feared trapped. The flood come as a complete surprise. It is believed that both tourist and residents are included in the missing people.

Government Action: PM and senior ministers offer assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, spoke in person to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured him all the support of the central government.

Crisis meetings were called establish what, if any, support would be provided and facilitate a rapid rescue response. The Centre will formulate a response to the recent news regarding the situation.

Indian Army sends 150 Troops and Emergency Equipment

In a quick response, the Indian Army committed 150 troops, under the command of Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF. The rapid response team is using drones, rescue dogs and earthmovers to assist in finding survivors and removing debris.

MI-17 and Chinook Helicopters are being deployed to assist in aerial surveying and for rescue operations where people have been cut-off in remote areas of the region.

Rescue Operations Started Again In the Rain

Rescue efforts recommenced early Wednesday; however, heavy rainfall is still impacting the area, and ongoing rain is delaying progress.

Dharali, a flourishing part of the journey to Gangotri, is now left in shambles with half the village brutally affected by the devastation.

To this day, there have been 130 people rescued and moved to safety, not counting the hardest part yet, which is locating people that remain missing and stuck in the debris. The search is ongoing and relentless, but no bodies have yet been recovered and the families of the missing remain anxious and agonized.

The tragedies in Uttarkashi have again shed light on the dangers of extreme weather events in the Himalayas. While search and rescue operations continue, the country still hopes for more people to be found alive.

Stay tuned for more recent news updates regarding the Uttarkashi floods, rescue operations, and governmental follow up efforts.