Tue Aug 05 11:00:00 UTC 2025: **Uttarkashi Cloudburst: At Least 4 Dead, Dozens Missing as Flash Floods Ravage Villages; Red Alert Issued**
**Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand:** A devastating cloudburst in the high-altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, has triggered catastrophic flash floods, leaving at least four people dead and over 50 missing. The event occurred on Tuesday, unleashing a torrent of water and debris from the Kheer Ganga river catchment area that swept away homes and inundated the region.
Eyewitness accounts describe widespread destruction, with “everything from hotels to markets” reportedly destroyed. Rescue operations are underway, with 150 Indian Army personnel deployed to the scene, successfully rescuing 15-20 people and providing medical aid. Teams from ITBP and NDRF are also en route to assist in the relief efforts.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Uttarkashi and several other districts in Uttarakhand for the next three hours, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have both spoken with Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, assuring full support from the central government. CM Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh expressed his condolences for the loss of life.
Uttarkashi has a history of vulnerability to natural disasters, including previous cloudbursts in 1978 and 1984, and a major earthquake in 1991. The 2013 Kedarnath floods serve as a stark reminder of the region’s susceptibility to extreme weather events.
First Piper 