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 10:04 am 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.

0 Like 0 Dislike
Previous news Next news
Other news

After the CJI, another judge was attacked with a shoe; the court gave its verdict on the attacker.

Recently, a man threw a shoe at CJI BR Gavai in the Supreme Court. This incident sparked a new de

Army took over the command in Nepal, Air India-Indigo flights cancelled... Read the important points.

The protests that started on the streets of Nepal under the leadership of the youth had turned in

Jagdeep Dhankhar: Dhankhar was seen for the first time after his resignation, sitting next to Radhakrishnan, smiling and clapping

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India on Friday.

'These people with a Jihadi mindset...' Abhinav Kashyap makes a big statement on Salman Khan's family, calling Arbaaz a 'donkey thief'

Salman Khan and his family are once again embroiled in controversy, thanks to a major statement b

Bigg Boss 19: Who got eliminated in Weekend Ka Vaar? Kunika left captaincy!

Bigg Boss 19's first Weekend Ka Vaar is always a blast. Salman Khan teaches a lesson to the conte

'Will not bow down to nuclear blackmail, if need be...' India's strong reply to Asim Munir's threats; US also reprimanded

India has reacted very strongly to the way Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir has threatene

Bigg Boss 19: After Pranit More, another elimination! One of these 5 contestants will be eliminated from the show.

Pranit More has been evicted from the controversial reality show Bigg Boss Season 19. Nine contes

Vaishno Devi Yatra: A big gift for devotees before Navratri, Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra will start from this day

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, which was suspended for the last 17 days, is now going to start

Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif became parents and shared their first post after the birth of their baby.

Katrina Kaif announced her pregnancy in September with a beautiful post. Now, happiness has final

Delhi Bomb Threat: Emails threatening to bomb six schools in Delhi were received, causing panic; campuses were evacuated

The series of bomb threats to schools in the national capital, Delhi, is not stopping. On Thursda

Sign up to write
Sign up now if you have flare of writing..
Login   |   Register
Follow Us
Indyaspeak @ Facebook Indyaspeak @ Twitter Indyaspeak @ Pinterest RSS



Play Free Quiz and Win Cash