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Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand | August 5, 2025 —
A sudden cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Harsil region on Tuesday afternoon triggered massive flash floods and a violent mudslide, leaving behind a trail of destruction in the serene Himalayan valley. At least eight Indian Army soldiers have been reported missing from a camp located in lower Harsil, even as rescue teams scramble to locate survivors amid the chaos.
Catastrophe Unleashed
The cloudburst occurred around 1:45 PM IST near Dharali village, a popular stopover en route to the Gangotri Dham. Torrents of water mixed with debris crashed down the slopes, engulfing roads, homes, and parts of the nearby Army transit camp.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as apocalyptic. “It was like a wall of water and rock just burst down from the hills. Everything was gone in minutes,” said Mohan Rawat, a local resident of Dharali, whose house narrowly escaped destruction.
Army Personnel Among the Missing
According to officials, eight to ten Army personnel stationed at the lower Harsil camp were swept away by the gushing water. While two soldiers were later found, at least eight remain unaccounted for, sparking fears of casualties within the military establishment itself.
The missing soldiers are believed to be part of a logistics and movement unit stationed temporarily to support pilgrims and defense operations in the Gangotri sector. The area is under the jurisdiction of the Army’s Ibex Brigade, which is now spearheading relief efforts alongside state and national disaster response teams.
Civilian Casualties Mount
In addition to the missing Army personnel, the flood has claimed at least four civilian lives, while over 50 people remain missing, including tourists, porters, and villagers. Emergency shelters have been set up for dozens who were rendered homeless within hours.
The Dharali–Bhaironghati road has been severely damaged, cutting off access to upper reaches. Drone surveillance and helicopters have been deployed, though inclement weather is hampering aerial rescue operations.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Indian Army have been deployed in full force. Around 150 Army personnel, including engineers and medics, are actively engaged in rescue, debris clearance, and search operations.
Specialized mountain rescue units equipped with thermal imaging devices and search dogs are scouring the area for any signs of life. According to officials, time is of the essence as the window for successful rescues narrows rapidly.
“We are doing everything possible to locate our missing soldiers and assist the affected civilians. The terrain is tough, but we are trained for this,” said an Army spokesperson.
Red Alert Issued as Rain Continues
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the Uttarkashi region and surrounding districts, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Authorities have urged residents to evacuate from landslide-prone areas and avoid unnecessary travel.
Schools and colleges in the region have been closed, and Char Dham pilgrimage routes are being closely monitored for safety.
High-Level Review and Relief Measures
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, along with senior officials from the Union Home Ministry, conducted an emergency review meeting on Tuesday evening. A relief package has been announced for the families of the deceased and missing, and special medical teams have been dispatched to nearby hospitals.
“Rescue is our top priority. We will not rest until every missing person is accounted for,” said the CM during a press briefing in Dehradun.
A Region on Edge
This is the second major cloudburst in the region within the last 30 days, renewing concerns about the impact of climate change and deforestation in fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Experts say such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense.
As night falls over Uttarkashi, the valley remains on edge—families await word of their loved ones, rescuers battle against nature, and the nation watches with bated breath.
Here are recent images capturing the devastating aftermath of the cloudburst and flash floods in the Dharali–Harsil region