Rescue Operations Intensify in Flood-Ravaged Uttarkashi
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district following devastating flash floods and landslides. Four helicopters, including a Chinook, have been deployed to evacuate hundreds of stranded people from the cut-off Dharali area. So far, 729 people have been evacuated, while four are confirmed dead and 49 remain missing. The Army has constructed a Bailey bridge over the Limchigad to restore road connectivity, as multiple agencies, including the NDRF and SDRF, continue search operations amid challenging conditions and damaged infrastructure.
Unpacked:
The flash floods and landslides in Uttarkashi were triggered by a cloudburst and intense rainfall on August 5, 2025, leading to sudden surges in water levels and destabilizing hillsides, which resulted in widespread destruction.
The disaster severely damaged roads, cut off villages like Dharali, and disrupted power supply. Key routes, including the Gangotri highway, were blocked, and the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage was impacted due to landslides and flooding.
The rescue operations involve multiple agencies: the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force (including Chinook helicopters), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), all coordinating efforts in challenging conditions.
Uttarkashi is part of the Himalayan region, which is prone to extreme weather events like cloudbursts and flash floods due to steep terrain, fragile geology, and heavy monsoon rains—risks exacerbated by factors such as deforestation and climate change.