Four people have died and several others are believed to be trapped under debris after a cloudburst hit the Indian state of Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The intense weather triggered flash floods and a mudslide that swept through Dharali village in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, located in Uttarkashi district.
Uttarkashi Police reported significant loss of life and property in Dharali due to the heavy rainfall and cloudburst, with residents caught off guard as a surge of mud and sludge struck the village, destroying some buildings and burying others. District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the fatalities and noted that the affected area includes multiple hotels, restaurants, and small guest houses.
Officials have warned that continuous rain is expected in the district and advised people to avoid rivers and streams. Authorities urged residents near the Bhagirathi River to evacuate dangerous areas and move to safer locations. The cloudburst also impacted nearby villages Harshil and Dharali, with river levels rising across the region.
The Indian Army’s Surya Command has launched rescue operations, deploying the Ibex Brigade—specialists in mountainous terrain—to the affected zone. The brigade has assessed the situation and is conducting rescue efforts. So far, more than 20 civilians have been evacuated safely, with the injured receiving medical care at an army facility in Harshil.
The India Meteorological Department had issued a warning on Monday forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand over the next three days, with isolated heavy downpours expected through Sunday.
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