&nbsp;A catastrophic cloudburst struck the Dharali region near Harsil in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on Tuesday, sweeping away an entire village and leaving several people feared missing.
The sudden surge in water levels, particularly in Kheer Gadh, caused widespread destruction in the Dharali market and nearby areas. In response, multiple agencies including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Fire Department, and local police were immediately deployed for rescue and relief operations.
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"Due to rising water levels in Kheer Gadh, significant damage has been reported in the Dharali market. Rescue teams from the police, fire department, SDRF, and the Army are on-site," Uttarakhand Police stated in a public advisory.
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Locals have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, and to ensure the safety of children and livestock as rescue work continues.
<h3 data-start="1784" data-end="1813">Chief Minister Reacts</h3>
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed anguish over the disaster, stating on social media platform X:
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"The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) is extremely distressing. Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing. I am in constant contact with officials, and the situation is being monitored closely."
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Though official casualty numbers are yet to be confirmed, search operations for the missing are ongoing.
<h3 data-start="2293" data-end="2332">IMD Alert Preceded the Disaster</h3>
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an &ldquo;extremely heavy rainfall&rdquo; warning for parts of Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, and Chamoli, starting August 4.
In response, the Dehradun district administration had proactively closed schools and Anganwadi centres on August 4.
CM Dhami had also held a virtual review meeting with District Magistrates of all 13 districts ahead of the forecast, evaluating both disaster preparedness and pending development projects.
As Uttarakhand reels from the aftermath of this natural calamity, rescue teams continue to brave extreme conditions in search of survivors.

Rescue ops underway after Uttarkashi cloudburst leaves village washed away, many missing

Cloudburst Hits Uttarkashi, Village Washed Away

Rescue ops underway after Uttarkashi cloudburst leaves village washed away, many missing

August 5, 2025 | 20:58 IST