A sudden cloudburst meets Uttarkashi’s Dharali village on August 5, 2025, causing destructive flash floods that wiped away homes, shops, and roads in an instant. At least four people lost their lives, and estimates suggest over 60 to 100 might be trapped or missing under debris.

The disaster zone includes an army camp near Harsil where eleven soldiers are unaccounted for, raising urgent rescue concerns. Rescue efforts are ongoing with NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Indian Army teams, helicopters, drones, dogs, and heavy tools deployed in mid heavy rain and blocked roads. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami cut short his visit and rushed back to get relief; Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah spoke to state leaders and assured full central support.

Cloudburst and flash flood in Utharakhand's Utharkashi.#utharakand #utharkashi #cloudburst #clouds #felanews #felanewsenglish #LatestNews #BreakingNews‌ pic.twitter.com/aIx7SasO6Y

— FELA NEWS (Write for Right) (@fela_news) August 5, 2025

Long‑standing rainfall warnings remain in place until August 10, complicating efforts and raising fears of further landslides in Uttarakhand’s fragile Himalayan terrain. Scientists now suggest the deluge may have been triggered by a glacial lake outburst or glacier collapse above Dharali, not solely a cloudburst. Local villagers used traditional whistle warning systems just before disaster struck, reflecting community preparedness even as modern infrastructure failed. Visuals circulating online show buildings collapsing like cards and a car being swallowed by raging waters, echoing scenes from previous Himalayan flood events.

As rescue teams battle harsh weather and blocked highways to evacuate survivors 130 have been moved to safer zones so far, the region remains on high alert. Restoring access and medical aid is a race against time in this unfolding Himalayan tragedy.