A deepening crisis grips Uttarkashi as the grim aftermath of a recent flash flood worsens by the hour. Across the mountainous region, rescue efforts intensify against a backdrop of continuous heavy rains that severely hinder access to cut-off villages and stranded residents. Homes and vital roads lie submerged or swept away, leaving countless people isolated without basic necessities. With communication lines down and the threat of further landslides looming, authorities are in a desperate race against time to save lives and bring aid to the heart of this unfolding disaster.
Many Villages Hit Hard
Flash floods caused by heavy rain have severely impacted Uttarkashi district, with the villages of Dharali and Harsil bearing the brunt of the disaster. The severe weather hit on August 5, 2025, when a sudden rush of water, mud. debris swept through the area. This event followed torrential rainfall which led to the Kheer Ganga river swelling rapidly.
Reports indicate that hotels, homes. other buildings were either swept away or deeply buried under a thick layer of sludge. Video footage from residents showed large waves of water moving through Dharali town, taking everything in their path.
Initial assessments show widespread destruction across the affected areas. Satellite images from August 7, 2025, compared with earlier pictures, highlight the scale of damage. The images show widened river channels, changes in the river’s path. many buildings destroyed or buried by mud in Dharali village.
Roads Blocked, Travel Difficult
The floods have caused significant damage to vital infrastructure, making travel and rescue efforts very hard. Key roads, including those leading to the affected areas, have been washed away or blocked by landslides and debris. The bridge connecting Mukhwa to Dharali was completely destroyed by the floodwaters.
Communication lines have also been severely affected. Mobile towers were knocked down. electricity supply was cut off in many areas, isolating communities.
“Heavy rainfall, landslides in several areas. washed-out roads are causing significant challenges in delivering aid, particularly in transporting heavy machinery and ambulances,” said a spokesperson for a rescue agency.
The difficult terrain, combined with ongoing bad weather, has made it hard for rescue teams and heavy machines to reach some of the most affected spots.
People Moved to Safety
The disaster has led to deaths and many people going missing. As of August 7, 2025, at least four people were reported dead. 58, including eight army personnel, were still missing after the floods. By August 15, 2025, some reports indicated 69 people were still missing, with only one body retrieved from Dharali village.
Rescue teams have worked to move many people to safe places. As of August 6, 2025, at least 190 people had been rescued from the Dharali area. By August 7, 2025, over 372 people were rescued from the Harsil-Dharali region, with 260 evacuated by helicopter. Also, over 400 people, including about 300 pilgrims, were stuck in the Gangotri Dham area. 260 of them were rescued.
Those rescued were airlifted to places like Matli helipad and Dehradun. arrangements were made for their onward travel. Injured people received medical care at district hospitals and specialized facilities like AIIMS Rishikesh.
Rescue Teams Working Hard
Rescue and search operations are continuing with great effort in the flood-hit areas. Many agencies are working together, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Border Roads Organization (BRO).
More than 450 personnel from these forces are actively engaged in the rescue work. They are using advanced tools to find people. This equipment includes victim detection cameras, rescue radars, ground-penetrating radars (GPR). thermal imaging drones. Sniffer dogs and cadaver dogs have also been brought in to help locate survivors or bodies buried under the mud and debris.
Uttarakhand SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi stated, “We are searching every possible structure to recover the dead bodies of missing people by using all available resources.”
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is playing a key role, deploying Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopters, as well as C-295 and AN-32 transport aircraft. These aircraft have carried out many flights, airlifting civilians and relief materials. An air passage between Uttarkashi and Harshil has been set up to help with logistics and evacuation. The Indian Army has also worked to restore communication links by setting up satellite and radio systems. A footbridge has been built over the Bhagirathi River between Dharali and Mukhawa village.
Despite these efforts, rescuers face major difficulties due to continuous rain, new landslides. the large amount of mud and debris. The thickness of the mud makes it hard to find people.
Help Coming From Government
The government has shown strong support and action in response to the floods. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has visited the affected areas of Dharali and Harsil-Dharali valley to see the damage firsthand and oversee the rescue work. He has ordered officials to quickly restore roads, communication, electricity. food supply. The Chief Minister also announced that he would donate one month’s salary for disaster relief.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his support for those affected by natural disasters across the country, including in Uttarkashi. He said that state and central governments are working together with full effort on rescue, relief. rehabilitation.
The central government has approved a relief fund of Rs 1,066. 80 crore for states affected by floods and landslides, with Uttarakhand being one of the states to receive help. This money comes from the central share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). More than Rs 8,000 crore from SDRF and NDRF funds have been given to 19 states this year to deal with such events.
Looking Ahead
The full extent of the damage from the flash floods in Uttarkashi is still being figured out. Rescue operations are continuing to find missing people and provide help to those in need. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for more heavy rainfall in the hill districts of Uttarakhand, meaning that the situation could worsen.
Authorities are focusing on not only immediate rescue and relief but also on restoring basic services and rebuilding. The destruction of infrastructure like roads and bridges means that recovery will take time and effort. Past disasters in Uttarakhand highlight the challenges of rebuilding in the mountainous region and the need for careful planning in such fragile environments.
