Massive cloudburst in Uttarkashi leaves 50+ missing, 8 soldiers untraceable. Rescue ops by Army, NDRF & ITBP underway. Full report with updates.
Massive Cloudburst Triggers Chaos in Uttarkashi
A devastating cloudburst struck Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The disaster hit high-altitude villages like Dharali and Sukhi Top, causing flash floods. The Kheer Ganga river overflowed, sweeping away homes and hotels. Torrential rain and landslides followed, triggering panic and destruction across the region, especially in areas close to Gangotri.
8 Army Soldiers Missing, Relief Operations Continue
At least eight Indian Army personnel went missing from a camp located in lower Harsil. An army unit of 150 soldiers responded within minutes and began rescue operations. The team is equipped with doctors and essential medical and rescue tools. The Indian Army continues search and relief operations in full force despite tough terrain and blocked roads.
ITBP Rescues 37 Villagers from Danger Zone
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), working with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), rescued 37 villagers — including 22 men, 11 women, and 4 children — from danger zones. All rescued individuals were safely evacuated to the ITBP BOP at Kopang and given first aid and food. Rescue teams are on high alert as efforts continue.
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Second Cloudburst Reported in Sukhi Top
Just hours after the Dharali disaster, another cloudburst was reported from Sukhi Top, another popular tourist destination in Uttarkashi. While no casualties have been reported from this spot, the water levels rose drastically. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the incident and warned of high alert in nearby villages due to overflowing rivers.
Over 50 People Missing, 40+ Homes Swept Away
According to NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahedi, over 50 people are feared missing and nearly 40-50 homes have been swept away in the flash floods. Three NDRF teams were immediately dispatched, each with 35 trained members equipped for high-altitude rescues. Officials have confirmed a large-scale, long-term rescue operation is underway in the disaster zone.
AIIMS Rishikesh Trauma Centre on High Alert
AIIMS Rishikesh has been put on alert to treat incoming victims from Uttarkashi. Hospital PRO Sandeep Kumar stated that the trauma center is fully prepared to admit injured individuals at any time. Local hospitals have also been asked to keep emergency services open and ready for mass casualty incidents.
Political Leaders Express Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have expressed grief and assured all support to Uttarakhand. Rahul Gandhi, Naveen Patnaik, and other opposition leaders have also extended condolences and urged quick rescue efforts. The entire country has united in support and solidarity with Uttarkashi’s people.
MP Claims Disaster Bigger than 2013 Kedarnath
Tehri MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah called the Uttarkashi cloudburst bigger than the 2013 Kedarnath disaster. She confirmed help from the central and state governments has been mobilized. However, blocked roads are delaying on-ground rescue. Helicopters have been kept on standby, and supplies are being air-dropped to remote affected villages.
Expert Advice: Stay Close to Nature, Follow Alerts
Disaster expert D.N. Joshi said cloudbursts are sudden, intense rainfalls common in hilly terrains like Kedarnath and Uttarkashi. He urged locals and tourists to follow alerts from the Meteorological Department and take shelter at higher ground in emergencies. He stressed the need for more disaster-resilient infrastructure in Himalayan regions.
Police Issue Travel Advisory Across Region
The Uttarakhand Police have warned against unnecessary travel. Roads on the Dharchula-Gunji and Jyotirmath-Malari routes are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. Chamoli Police have requested locals to stay home and follow official guidelines. Authorities are constantly updating road status on social media and emergency portals.
Emergency Helpline Numbers Released
Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre has released emergency contact numbers:
📞 01374222126
📞 01374222722
📞 9456556431
Locals and tourists in distress are urged to call these numbers for help, updates, or to report missing persons. Officials are also tracking real-time SOS messages across platforms.
Conclusion: Uttarkashi Faces One of Its Darkest Days
This is one of the worst natural disasters Uttarkashi has seen in recent years. With more than 50 people missing, 8 soldiers untraceable, and houses destroyed, the road to recovery will be long. However, with united rescue operations from the Army, NDRF, ITBP, and state administration, hope still lives in the Himalayas.
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