Uttarkashi, India: A huge flash flood has destroyed a lot of things in Dharali village, Uttarkashi district, after a terrible cloudburst in the upper catchment area of a local stream near the Bhagirathi river. Officials and residents are worried that the death toll could be far higher, as scores of people are still missing. At least four individuals have been confirmed deceased. Videos uploaded on social media depict the scary moment when a wall of water, mud, and debris destroyed houses and infrastructure, leaving a path of ruin.
The cloudburst that hit about 1:40 PM on Tuesday has caused a lot of worry and turmoil in the Himalayan valley near Harsil. Dharali, a village that pilgrims often stop at on their journey to Gangotri Dham, has been hit hard. Rajesh Panwar, who lives in the area, told PTI that at least 10 people may be buried under the rubble and that 20 to 25 hotels and homestays may have been entirely wiped away. The abrupt rise in water caught residents and visitors off surprise, and many ran for safety.
Officials have said that the event looked eerily like the Chamoli catastrophe in 2021. The Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police have all sent teams to the location to look for and save people.
District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed that four people died and said that the number is likely to grow. He also said that the government is trying to figure out how bad the damage is to people and property. The calamity has not only killed people and damaged buildings, but it has also made it very hard for people to get to Gangotri, a major holy destination. The Uttarkashi Police have sent out a safety warning, telling those who live or travel in the area to keep clear from rivers and streams since further rain is predicted.