Uttarkashi Cloud Burst: The reason behind the devastation has come to light; this is why the debris, along with water, came down rapidly, not once but twice

Posted on 6th Aug 2025 by rohit kumar

Due to the rising water level in Kheer Ganga in Dharali of Uttarkashi, the market and surrounding areas were damaged. There, due to the low catchment area of the river and the steep slope, the water comes down rapidly. That is why, after the cloudburst on Tuesday, debris and water reached the Dharali market rapidly, due to which no one got a chance to recover.

 

This is not the first time that the surrounding area has been damaged due to the rising water level of Kheer Ganga in Dharali. Even after this, the local people did not wake up, and neither were any concrete security arrangements made by the government administration. However, in the year 2023, the Gangotri Highway was also closed there for several days due to the rising water level of Kheer Ganga.

 

Along with this, shops and hotels were also damaged. After that, protective work was done there, but due to the low span of the river, it could not prevent a devastating disaster.

 

Earlier in the year 2017-18, due to the rising water level of Kheerganga, debris entered hotels, shops and many houses. At that time also it took about a year for people to recover from the disaster. However, there was no loss of life at that time.

 

Flood in the Kheerganga River in Uttarkashi

 

A cloudburst in Kheerganga above Dharali village, about 70 km from the district headquarters in Uttarkashi, on Tuesday afternoon caused a flood in the Kheerganga river. The main market of Dharali was destroyed due to the rapid debris and water. Also, the famous Kalp Kedar temple has been completely washed away in the debris.

 

The district administration said that by late evening, 130 people had been rescued. Four people have been confirmed dead. While about 70 people are reported missing. Also, there are speculations of 30 hotels, shops, and houses getting swept away in the debris. Clouds burst at three places in Harshil valley on Tuesday.

 

A cloud burst over the village at around 1.50 pm.

Dharali was the worst affected by the cloud burst in Kheer Ganga. According to eyewitnesses, a cloud burst over the village at around 1.50 pm on Tuesday afternoon. After this, within just 20 seconds, the water and debris of the Kheerganga river turned towards the main market.

 

People ran here and there to save their lives.

People were running here and there to save their lives, but before they could reach a safe place, the flood destroyed everything. Many hotels, resorts, shops, houses, and apple orchards present there were razed to the ground. There was screaming and shouting there.

 

The entire market turned into a pile of debris.

The entire market turned into a pile of debris in no time. As soon as the information was received, the district administration immediately swung into action and teams of SDRF, NDRF, Army and Police were sent to the spot. The rescue team immediately started relief and rescue operations and safely evacuated many people trapped in the hotel.

 

Two MI, one Chinook, were sought from the Center and the Air Force.

The state government has sought two MI and one Chinook from the Central Government and the Air Force for the rescue operation. Due to continuous rain, the flight of helicopters is being hampered. UCADA has also kept two private helicopters ready for rescue operations. As soon as the weather clears, the Air Force will provide relief by helicopter.

 

Commercial buildings suffered more damage.

People say that if the flow of the river had moved straight ahead, the village settlement could have also suffered heavy damage, but due to the water turning towards the market, commercial buildings have suffered the most damage. Once the debris came with the water, it then stopped for some time. After some time, the debris came again.

 

Instructions to help the affected in every possible way: CM

CM Dhami said that the district administration, Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, and other agencies are engaged in relief and rescue work. People are being taken to safe places on a priority basis. The situation is being constantly monitored. Instructions have been given to provide all possible help to the affected.

 

A relief camp was set up in Harshil.

As soon as the information about the incident was received, DM Prashant Arya and SP Sarita Doval left for the spot. The administration has also set up relief camps in Harshil. The DM said that the complete assessment of the damage will be done after reaching the spot.

 

It will rain today too.

Rain will continue on Wednesday as well. The Meteorological Center has issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain in some areas of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar districts.