Flash Floods Strike Without Warning
In a devastating turn of events, Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district was rocked by a sudden cloudburst near Dharali village on Monday afternoon, unleashing a torrent of muddy water that flattened buildings, swallowed roads, and left dozens feared trapped beneath debris.
The cloudburst struck around 1:30 PM IST, sending the Kheerganga river into a violent swell. Within moments, a surge of water tore through Dharali—a once-bustling tourist hub now buried in silt and rubble.
Eyewitness Accounts: “We Had No Time to Run”
Locals from nearby villages, who captured chilling videos of the event, described a nightmare scenario. As the muddy floodwater thundered down, people could be heard screaming and blowing whistles, warning others to flee. But the speed of the flash flood left little room for escape.
Entire structures were swept away in seconds. Eyewitnesses believe many people, including tourists and hospitality workers, could be trapped under collapsed buildings.
Sacred Kalpkedar Temple Among Damaged Sites
Among the many structures engulfed in mud and debris is the ancient Kalpkedar temple. Locals fear the spiritual landmark has sustained significant damage, though officials have yet to confirm the extent of the destruction.
Nearby, the floodwaters have also swallowed roads and submerged portions of a government helipad, complicating rescue logistics.
An Artificial Lake Threatens Further Damage
Perhaps even more concerning is the formation of an artificial lake caused by silt and debris blocking the Bhagirathi river—one of the key tributaries of the Ganges. Authorities worry that if the accumulating water is not drained soon, it could burst and flood low-lying towns and villages downstream.
Army units have arrived on-site and are urging residents to stay far from the water’s edge.
Rescue Efforts Face Challenges
Despite the quick deployment of personnel from the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), continued rainfall and poor connectivity in the region are slowing rescue efforts. The injured are being transported to nearby army facilities for urgent treatment.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the gravity of the situation, stating that dense tourism infrastructure in the area—hotels, eateries, and camps—makes the rescue operation even more complex.
Government Responds, PM Offers Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation via social media, offering prayers for the victims and assuring full-scale rescue and relief operations. “Relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,” his post read.
