Uttarakhand on High Alert: Heavy Rain Forecast After Flash Floods Claim 4 Lives; Rescue Efforts Underway

Uttarkashi Flash Floods: Heavy Rain Worsens Crisis, Rescue Efforts Intensify

Heavy rainfall continued to batter Uttarakhand on Wednesday, a day after a devastating cloudburst in the ecologically fragile Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods and landslides. The disaster has left at least four people dead and nine Army personnel missing, with many others feared trapped under debris.

What Happened?
The flash floods were triggered by a cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, unleashing a torrent of water, mud, and debris through Dharali village — a popular tourist destination with several hotels and homestays. Visuals from the area show massive destruction, with large parts of the village buried under slush and rubble.

A second wave of destruction also hit Sukki village on the opposite side of the hill.

Rescue Operations Hampered
Rescue teams are operating under extreme conditions. Torrential rain, blocked roads, and unstable terrain have slowed efforts. Helicopters remain grounded due to the weather, while key access routes are cut off. So far, 163 roads across the state — including five national highways and seven state highways — have been blocked by landslides.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent three teams (35 personnel each) to the affected site, with two more on standby. For the first time, a pair of cadaver dogs will also be airlifted from Delhi to assist in locating bodies buried under debris.

Red Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in several districts, including Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. Other districts remain under an orange alert.

As a precaution, schools and colleges have been shut in at least nine districts, including Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Almora.

CM Reviews Situation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami cut short an official visit to Andhra Pradesh and returned to Dehradun to oversee the emergency response. “Our top priority is saving lives,” he said, directing officials to accelerate rescue and relief efforts and ensure that food, water, and medical supplies reach remote locations.

Rivers Swell, Pilgrimage Halted
Continuous rainfall has led to rising river levels across the state. In Rudraprayag, the Alaknanda river is nearing the danger mark, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend the Kedarnath Yatra. The Gomti and Sarayu rivers in Bageshwar are also in spate, while heavy downpours continue in Kotdwar and other hill areas.