A catastrophic cloudburst on August 5, 2025, triggered flash floods in the Kheer Ganga river, leaving the Himalayan village of Dharali in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, in ruins. The disaster, reminiscent of the 2013 Kedarnath deluge and 2021 Rishiganga tragedy, swept away hotels, homes, and livelihoods in this bustling stopover en route to Gangotri, the sacred origin of the Ganges.

Social media videos captured the horror: towering waves of debris-laden water, some 5-10 meters high, obliterated buildings, while panicked residents fled for their lives, some swallowed by the torrents.

Subhash Chandra Semwal, a 60-year-old eyewitness from nearby Mukhba village, described the scene as the most terrifying of his life. “We heard the roar of water and stones, then saw Kheer Ganga surge,” he recounted. “We blew whistles and shouted to warn Dharali’s people, but the floods overtook many.” Videos showed desperate residents gasping, with one voice lamenting, “Everything is over.” At least four people died, and 60-70 remain trapped.

The Army’s Harshil camp, just four kilometers away, mobilized 150 personnel within 10 minutes, rescuing 20 people using ropes amidst the chaos. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed 50 soldiers with specialized equipment like victim-locating cameras and cutting tools.

Debris continues to flow, and authorities have urged people to avoid the area. Another cloudburst near Harshil’s Army camp caused no reported damage. The disaster has left Dharali’s vibrant market, dotted with hotels and homestays, buried under rubble, raising urgent concerns about recovery and the region’s vulnerability to climate-driven calamities.

Also Read: Uttarakhand Cloudburst: Why Are Himalayas Hit Hard?

Also Read: Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Homes Swept Away in Flash Floods