Massive Landslides in Dharali Leave 5 Dead, Mobile Networks Down as Search Continues
Top Highlights:
- 28 tourists — mostly Keralites — missing after cloudburst in Uttarakhand
- 5 people confirmed dead (not from the tourist group) after massive landslides in Dharali
- Homes, hotels, roads washed away or buried under debris
- Communication cut off; rescue ops hindered by rains and terrain
Families Lose Contact With 28 Tourists After Landslides
A group of 28 Kerala-origin tourists, including families settled in Maharashtra and Kerala, has been missing since Tuesday morning after a devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides in Dharali, a scenic village on the way to Gangotri, Uttarakhand.
“They last spoke around 8:30 am on Tuesday, saying they were heading from Uttarkashi to Gangotri. Since then, there’s been no word,” said a relative of a couple from the group.
Of the 28:
- 20 are Keralites living in Maharashtra
- 8 are from districts across Kerala
The group was traveling as part of a 10-day Uttarakhand tour, arranged by a Haridwar-based travel agency, which has also failed to trace them.
Phones Dead, Network Down, No Updates
Relatives suspect low battery and zero network coverage may be why they haven’t heard from their loved ones.
“The phones are likely dead by now, and the area has no signal,” said one family member.
5 Dead in Dharali After Devastating Cloudburst
At least five people have died in Dharali village due to landslides, flash floods, and collapsing structures triggered by Tuesday’s cloudburst.
- Nearly half of Dharali was buried in mud, slush, and debris
- Several homes, hotels, and cars were swept away
- Locals and visitors remain stranded as roads are blocked
Dharali is a key stop en route to Gangotri, and hosts many seasonal travelers, homestays, and spiritual tourists.
Rescue Ops Underway Amid Harsh Terrain
Multiple agencies are on the ground:
- Army
- NDRF & SDRF teams
- District police and local volunteers
Additional NDRF teams were airlifted from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, but ongoing landslides and poor visibility continue to challenge rescue work.
IMD Issues Red Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of:
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag
- Severe weather conditions across nearby Himachal Pradesh, including Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, and Kinnaur
Major roads including National Highway 35 and routes to Gangotri and Yamunotri remain shut.
Families Anxiously Await News
Loved ones of the missing tourists have been appealing for updates.
“We just want to know they’re safe. Even a one-line message would mean everything,” a parent said.
Editorial Note
Out of respect for the families and due to the unverified nature of visuals, we are not publishing videos or distressing imagery at this time.
Also Read : Uttarakhand Cloudburst Update: 5th Body Recovered in Dharali, Himachal on Red Alert
