Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun

Dehradun, Aug 5: A sudden and powerful flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst over the upper reaches of the Kheer Ganga river, wreaked havoc in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, leaving behind a path of destruction near one of the key routes to Gangotri Dham.

The deluge, fed by rapidly rising waters of the Kheer Gadh stream in the Harsil area, caused widespread damage across the village. According to district police, multiple structures—including homes, shops, roads, hotels, and homestays—were either partially or completely swept away by the torrent. The floodwaters, captured in dramatic footage, surged through Dharali with unrelenting force, transforming the quiet Himalayan village into a scene of devastation.

Emergency teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indian Army, and local administration have been deployed and are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. Several areas remain cut off due to damaged roads and accumulated debris.

Authorities have raised concerns that 10 to 12 laborers may be trapped under the rubble, with efforts underway to locate and reach them. In another incident tied to the intense weather conditions, nearly 18 goats were reportedly washed away in the Banala Patti area of Barkot tehsil, as the Kud Gadhera stream overflowed its banks.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall until August 10, particularly in the hill regions. The risk of further landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging remains high.

Rescue operations have been intensified with teams dispatched from Harsil and Bhatwari, and locals are being urged to stay alert and avoid flood-prone zones as the situation remains critical.