Cloudburst in Uttarkashi Triggers Flash Floods & Landslides

On 5th August 2025, rescue operations were in full swing in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district after a severe cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, blocking the Uttarkashi-Harsil road and causing widespread devastation.

Key Points

Cloudburst Impact: Two separate cloudburst incidents were reported — one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area — leading to flash floods, mudslides, and the destruction of roads, homes, and shops.
Major Infrastructure Damage: A stretch of the Uttarkashi-Harsil road near Bhatwadi was washed away, leaving the route to Harsil inaccessible.
Dharali, one of the worst-affected areas, lies approximately 50 km from the site.
Rescue and Relief Operations: Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are on-site.
Restoration Priorities: Restoring electricity, water supply, mobile, and internet services is a top priority. The Electricity Department and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam are working jointly, with services expected to be restored by nightfall.
Weather Alerts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand’s hill districts, warning of potential further landslides and flash floods.