Uttarkashi cloudburst: Rescue efforts intensified amid ongoing challenges; 5 dead and many still missing

The Uttarkashi cloudburst that struck on Tuesday (August 5) in the upper catchment of the Kheer Ganga river has unleashed a torrent of water, mud, and debris that swept away homes, cars, and bridges in the village of Dharali, a key stop on the pilgrimage route to Gangotri.

Amid this, the Indian Army has launched a large-scale rescue operation in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district after a deadly cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides that cut off access to the village of Dharali near Harsil, leaving dozens missing and hundreds stranded.

More than 225 Army personnel, including infantry and combat engineering teams, have been deployed to the affected area, officials said on Wednesday (August 6). At least five people have been confirmed dead, with over 50 still missing. Among them was a group of 28 tourists from Kerala.

A coordinated response

Combat engineers have been working to clear debris and restore access in the area, while seven teams with Reeco Radar systems are operating near Tekla. Search and rescue dogs have been deployed to Harsil, with more en route from Remount and Veterinary Corps centres.

Air support has been activated, with three civil helicopters operating from Sahastradhara successfully landing at Bhatwari and Harsil to deliver relief materials and evacuate casualties. A military helipad at Harsil remains functional, while Chinook, Mi-17, and ALH helicopters are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa airbases awaiting deployment orders.

As of Wednesday evening, 70 civilians had been rescued. Three injured persons were airlifted from the affected region by helicopter. However, road links near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani have been washed away, hampering ground access. The civil helipad at Dharali remains non-functional following a mudslide.

Indian Air Force sources said on Wednesday afternoon that Mi-17s and ALH Mk-III at Bareilly and An-32s and C-295 aircraft at Agra were ready to launch after preparation through the night.

At the time, dense fog and rain had restricted flying into the high reaches. Sources said that the IAF would begin operations once the weather was better.

CM Dhami details reconstruction plans

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is camping in the region, said that 190 people have been rescued and relocated to safe areas. “The injured have been admitted to hospitals, while some are at military camps and higher centres,” Dhami told local media. “All arrangements are being made to evacuate pilgrims stranded in Gangotri Dham through the Nelong Valley.”

The chief minister confirmed the state’s plan to reconstruct Dharali and provide assistance to every affected family. “All of us from Uttarakhand are standing with the affected people — those who have suffered losses or lost their kin — as government, brothers and family,” he said.

He added that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are extending full assistance. “The prime minister has assured me that the Centre, the Army and other agencies are providing all support. Saving every person is the first priority,” Dhami said.

Landslides, isolation, and rescue challenges

Landslides triggered by the cloudburst have buried parts of Dharali under several feet of mud and debris. The village, home to multiple hotels and guest houses, is an important waypoint on the Char Dham route. With the roads severed and debris blocking access routes, Army engineers face the daunting task of restoring connectivity under adverse terrain and weather conditions.

“Constructing roads in the hills is not an easy task. It is a tough job,” Dhami said. “But the state government and all its departments will accomplish this task with the help of the Centre, Army, BRO, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF.”

The state government said rescue and relief operations will continue until all missing persons are accounted for and connectivity is re-established. The military and civil authorities remain on high alert as heavy rains continue to pose further risks in the region.

With inputs from agencies