Cloudburst Near Dharali Triggers Massive Flooding; Rescue Ops Underway Despite Harsh Conditions
Flash Flood Strikes Army Base Near Dharali Village
A sudden cloudburst near Dharali village in Uttarkashi, just 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil, triggered devastating flash floods on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred at 1:45 PM, leading to the feared disappearance of nine army personnel stationed at the camp.
Key Details: What Happened
- Time of Incident: 1:45 PM, Tuesday
- Location: Dharali village, Uttarkashi district, near Harshil Army Camp
- Event: Cloudburst leading to flash floods and mudslides
- Impact: Army camp affected; 9 soldiers reportedly missing
- Response: Army mobilised 150 personnel within 10 minutes
Official Statements and Rescue Efforts
The Indian Army issued a statement highlighting the challenges faced in the relief operations:
“Despite being cut off and the unit base being adversely affected, 11 personnel are feared missing. The team continues to operate with unwavering determination.”
- Rescue operations began immediately, focusing on evacuating trapped villagers and providing essential aid.
- Additional Army columns are being moved to the affected zone to aid in the ongoing relief efforts.
- Continuous monitoring of the situation is being carried out by military and civil authorities.
Uttarakhand CM and Officials Respond
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern:
“The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in Dharali is extremely sad and distressing. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing.”
Other updates include:
- Principal Secretary R K Sudhanshu reported damage to 40–50 buildings in the area.
- Bad weather conditions have prevented the use of helicopters in rescue operations.
Geographical & Climate Context
- Dharali is a popular stopover en route to Gangotri, known for its tourist infrastructure including hotels and homestays.
- The Kheer Ganga River catchment area experienced intense rainfall, leading to the floods.
- Cloudbursts are among the most devastating natural disasters in the Indian Himalayas, causing extreme rainfall over a small area in a very short time.
- Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events in the region.
Current Situation & Outlook
- The situation remains critical, with continuous rainfall hampering relief work through the evening.
- The Indian Army, along with SDRF, NDRF, and local authorities, remains committed to saving lives and restoring normalcy.
Conclusion
The flash floods in Harshil serve as a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events. With nine soldiers missing and dozens of buildings damaged, coordinated efforts are crucial in the hours ahead to manage this developing crisis.
Also Read : Google Earth Reveals Scale of Uttarakhand Flash Flood Destruction
