A sudden cloudburst over Dharali has wreaked havoc in the region, unleashing torrents of water, rocks, and debris through the narrow Himalayan valley on Tuesday. This natural disaster swept away homes, roads, and vital infrastructure, leaving the area in chaos. Eyewitnesses captured dramatic visuals showing floodwaters and mud engulfing buildings, prompting residents to flee to higher ground. In a shocking turn of events, several houses have been buried under thick layers of sludge, further complicating rescue efforts.
In a display of solidarity and commitment, Indian Army troops have mobilized alongside the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities to conduct urgent search, rescue, and relief operations. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya has warned that the casualty toll could rise as teams continue to clear debris and make their way to isolated areas affected by the mudslide.
The Central Command of the Indian Army has identified Dharali as one of the worst-hit locations, where a massive mudslide has intensified the devastating impact of the flooding. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to the families of the victims, assuring that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that relief efforts are being executed at full capacity.
With Uttarakhand’s location in the fragile Himalayan zone, the region faces heightened vulnerability to cloudbursts, landslides, and glacial floods. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such disasters to climate change and unregulated development in the area. In response to this calamity, authorities have issued a high alert, urging residents in high-risk zones to evacuate or remain vigilant as forecasts predict more rain in the coming days.
