Rescue and clearance operations are underway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district after a devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, blocking multiple stretches of the Uttarkashi-Harsil road.
Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to clear debris and restore road connectivity. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been stationed at the site.
The cloudburst washed away a section of the road near Bhatwadi on the Uttarkashi-Harsil route, leaving the stretch towards Harsil inaccessible overnight. Dharali, one of the worst-hit areas, is located approximately 50 kilometres from the site.
Two separate cloudburst incidents were reported—one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area—leading to widespread destruction. Flash floods swept away homes, shops, and roads, and several people are feared missing. The region also witnessed mudslides and further flooding, deepening the crisis.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, particularly in the hilly districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take stock of the situation. “I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi… I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and obtained information about the situation,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured all possible assistance from the Centre and directed the deployment of NDRF and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his support and spoke to CM Dhami over the phone.
Chief Minister Dhami, who returned from Andhra Pradesh in the wake of the disaster, headed straight to the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun. He has been coordinating relief and rescue efforts with senior officials.
Speaking to ANI, CM Dhami said restoring electricity and communication services is a top priority and that operations are being carried out on a war footing.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured us that the central government will support us in every way. The Home Minister has also given his assurance. I thank both of them,” he said.
“Our effort is to ensure all essential services are restored. The electricity department and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam are working together. Restoration is expected by tonight. Mobile and internet services were also disrupted due to damaged towers, but action is being taken swiftly,” he added.
-ANI