Dozens Missing, Including Soldiers, After Uttarkashi Flash Floods
Rescue operations are underway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, after a cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods, killing at least four people. Around 60 people, including 11 soldiers, are reported missing after an Army base and the village of Dharali were hit. The incident ravaged the village, a key stop for Gangotri pilgrims, and buried the ancient Kalp Kedar temple in debris. The Army, ITBP, and SDRF are conducting search and rescue efforts amidst heavy rain, having evacuated around 130 people to safety.
Unpacked:
Cloudbursts are intense rainfall events over a short period, often triggered by monsoon dynamics and the region's mountainous terrain. Uttarkashi is prone to cloudbursts due to its steep slopes, high rainfall, and vulnerable river valleys, making flash floods and landslides common during the monsoon season.
Dharali is a key stop for pilgrims visiting the Gangotri temple, one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. The ancient Kalp Kedar temple holds religious significance for devotees and the local community, and the area’s hotels and markets support tourism and pilgrimage, making their loss economically and culturally impactful.
Rescue teams confront persistent heavy rain, challenging terrain, washed-away roads, and damaged infrastructure, which hamper access to affected areas. Mudslides and debris further complicate search and rescue, and continuous rainfall raises the risk of additional landslides or floods.
Uttarakhand has experienced several major flash floods, notably in 2013 when thousands died. While the current death toll is lower, the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and religious sites echoes past disasters, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the ongoing need for disaster preparedness.