Uttarakhand cloudburst: Army, NDRF and SDRF team, stationed in Gangotri, rescues 130 people from Dharali

In the wake of the devastating mudslide at Kheer Gad, Dharali, Col Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF, is leading a team of 150 personnel in critical rescue and relief operations. Despite being cut off from communication and the adverse impact on the unit's base, with 11 personnel feared missing, the team remains undeterred, continuing their operations with unwavering resolve. According to the Defence PRO, so far, 20 individuals have been successfully rescued. Additional rescue teams are being mobilized to support the ongoing operations.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reached out to his Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone today. During their conversation, CM Yogi extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

The Uttarakhand government informs that following a landslide incident in Uttarkashi, rescue teams from the Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF have saved 130 people.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the ongoing efforts to restore essential services in the wake of a natural disaster, with support from both the state and central governments. Expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their assurances, Dhami emphasized the state's priority of restoring electricity and communication systems, with power expected to be fully restored by tonight. He also acknowledged the disruption to mobile towers and internet services, assuring immediate action to restore connectivity. Reassuring the people, CM Dhami affirmed that the government is fully committed to providing all necessary support to those affected by the calamity and is working tirelessly to ensure the swift recovery of the state.

The SDRF team stationed in Gangotri has rescued 80 people from Dharali so far. The rescue operation is ongoing as more teams continue their efforts.

Rescue teams from SDRF's Bhattwari and Gangotri posts, equipped with necessary rescue tools, have reached the disaster site. The teams have informed via satellite phone that 60 to 70 people have been rescued and safely relocated from the affected area. Additional SDRF teams are en route and will soon arrive at the impacted region.

The Dehradun-Delhi railway track has been disrupted due to a landslide. Debris from the landslide in Haridwar's Bhimgoda area has blocked the track.

In the Uttarkashi cloudburst, 8–10 Indian Army soldiers are reported missing from a camp in the lower Harsil area. Despite the losses, Army personnel continue to lead relief operations, say officials.

Uttarkashi cloudburst highlights the increasing impact of climate change, says DMMC Executive Director Piyoosh Rautela. He warns that rising extreme weather events are causing widespread destruction and affecting livelihoods.

In view of the disaster in Uttarkashi, the Uttarakhand government has deployed three IAS officers in the Uttarkashi district till further orders: Uttarakhand Government.

On Tuesday at 6 PM, a lake-like situation developed in Dharali due to the stoppage of the Ganga Bhagirathi’s flow, submerging the civil aviation helipad. This formation has significantly increased the risk of flooding in the district’s riverbank areas. In response, the district and police administration have issued warnings advising residents near the riverbanks to remain cautious.

The civil aviation helipad has also submerged in this lake. The flood in Khir Ganga at Dharali has wiped out all traces of Dharali and has also stopped the water flow of the Ganga and Bhagirathi.

 Additionally, SDRF rescue teams from Dhalwala, Chinyalisaur, and Ujeli (Uttarkashi) have also been dispatched to the site. Due to the flood in Khir Ganga, the flow of the Ganga Bhagirathi has stopped, creating a lake-like situation in Dharali.

As per the instructions of senior officers, Mr. Arpan Yaduvanshi thoroughly briefed 50 personnel at the SDRF Battalion Headquarters, Jollygrant, and dispatched them with necessary equipment such as victim locating cameras, thermal imaging cameras, cutting tools, R.R. saw, rotary hammer drills, diamond tip chain saws, portable generators, medical aids, and satellite phones to the site.

A total of 10 SDRF teams have already been dispatched to the site. The teams from Post Gangotri and Bhatwari have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue work along with local administration, police, and other rescue units.

 Considering the gravity of the situation, under the instructions of Inspector General of Police, SDRF Mr. Arun Mohan Joshi, the Commander of SDRF, Mr. Arpan Yaduvanshi, dispatched SDRF rescue teams to the site.

On today's date, 5th August 2025, due to the sudden flood in Dharali under the Harshil area, the entire Dharali market was engulfed by the flood, and there is a fear of several casualties.

In the district of Uttarkashi, at Dharali, SDRF reached the site after the sudden flood and is conducting rescue operations at war footing along with other rescue units.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has returned directly to Dehradun from Tirupati after cancelling all his scheduled events. He is expected to arrive at the State Emergency Operations Centre shortly. As per the information, the CM Dhami is also expected to take a detailed briefing on the ongoing relief and rescue operations in Dharali (Uttarkashi).

According to Mohsen Shahedi, Deputy Inspector General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the incident has left dozens of homes flattened and several people unaccounted for. He further said that three teams of NDRF were sent to the spot, and they will reach the spot soon. "There are 35 members in each team, and they are well-equipped to rescue the people trapped there. According to the initial reports, around 40-50 houses have been washed away, and more than 50 people are missing... A large-scale rescue operation will have to be carried out there," he added. 

Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Brigade Commander, provided a detailed update on the Uttarkashi cloudburst incident. He said that at approximately 1:45 PM on Tuesday, a cloudburst triggered a massive mudslide in Dharali village, Uttarkashi district. The Indian Army column stationed at the Harshil Post responded immediately, reaching the affected site within 10 minutes and initiating rescue operations without delay. The Army team, comprising around 150 personnel, was equipped with specialized medical kits, rescue equipment, and doctors. So far, nearly 20 villagers have been rescued, and the injured are currently receiving medical treatment. Brigadier Dhillon further informed that shortly after the first incident, a second cloudburst and mudslide struck the Army camp itself at Harshil, compounding the challenge. Despite this, the rescue teams remain actively engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians and personnel alike.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to inquire about the unfortunate cloudburst incident in Dharali, Uttarkashi. During the conversation, the Prime Minister was briefed on the ongoing relief and rescue operations being conducted by the state government, SDRF, the Indian Army, and other rescue teams. CM Dhami added that the Prime Minister assured all possible support from the Central Government to aid the efforts on the ground.

The Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been washed out near Saldhar. Travellers and local residents are requested to avoid unnecessary travel: Chamoli Police, Uttarakhand  

Rajnath Singh has expressed concern over the distressing visuals from Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, showing the devastation caused by flash floods. He prayed for the well-being of those affected and assured that the Centre and the State Government are working closely together, taking all possible measures to save lives.

Following the devastating cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi Administration has reported another cloudburst in Sukhi Top near Dharali. Rescue and relief teams remain on high alert as they continue to monitor the situation closely.

 Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow over the devastating cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi, mourning the loss of lives and missing persons, and urged the government and administration to expedite relief and rescue operations, requesting additional NDRF teams if needed.

Debris from a landslide has blocked the road near Paagalnala and Bhanerpani on the Badrinath National Highway (NH-58). Chamoli Police have confirmed that debris removal and road restoration work is currently in progress.

Uttarkashi district administration has issued helpline numbers 01374-222126, 222722, and 9456556431 for assistance related to the Dharali village cloudburst disaster.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people affected by the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. He also prayed for the well-being of all the victims. Modi spoke to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami to get updates on the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are making every possible effort, and no effort is being spared to ensure help reaches the people.

Uttarkashi Police reported rising water levels of the Kheer Gadh river in the Harsil area, causing damage in Dharali. Police, SDRF, army, and other disaster response teams are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations at the site.

The situation is under continuous monitoring, and the Indian Army remains fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected civilians.

(Inputs from Manish Prasad)

So far, 4 people have died and more than 100 are feared trapped. The area affected by the cloudburst has many hotels and restaurants, and some tourists are also stranded there. 

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to locate and evacuate any remaining stranded persons.

(Inputs from Manish Prasad)

So far, 15–20 individuals have been successfully evacuated, with the injured receiving prompt medical treatment at the Indian Army medical facility in Harshil.

(Inputs from Manish Prasad)

Responding with urgency, the Indian Army mobilised 150 personnel who reached the site within 10 minutes and immediately commenced rescue operations.

(Inputs from Manish Prasad)

A landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil, at around 1:45 PM today.

(Inputs from Manish Prasad)

On the Uttarkashi cloudburst incident, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, RK Sudhanshu says, "The District Magistrate and SP have both left for the spot. There is a possibility of loss of life and property. We have sent SDRF as well as NDRF, and we are doing an assessment first, and as soon as we come to know the level of damage, action will be taken accordingly..."

A 16-member ITBP team has reached the Uttarkashi cloudburst site to assist in rescue efforts. Additionally, three NDRF teams from Manera, Batkot, and Dehradun are deployed, with two more teams on standby at Shashtradhar airstrip for airlift.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on the heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region. Both the ITBP and the NDRF teams have been directed to reach at the spot.

A massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil, triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement. Troops from the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and carry out rescue operations. The extent of the damage is currently being ascertained, and further updates will be provided as relief efforts continue, said the Central Command of the Indian Army.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the heavy damage caused by the cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi. He confirmed that SDRF, NDRF, and district teams are conducting relief and rescue operations, with the situation being closely monitored.

Three NDRF teams from Manera, Batkot, and Dehradun have been dispatched to assist rescue operations at the Uttarkashi cloudburst site. Additionally, two teams are on standby at Shashtradhar airstrip, ready for airlift deployment. SDRF teams, led by IG Arun Mohan Joshi, have reached the site with emergency equipment and are coordinating rescue and disaster management efforts.

Cloudburst in Kheer Ganga causes flash floods; several feared missing in Uttarkashi.