Uttarkashi Cloudburst: A devastating cloudburst hit the Dharali in Uttarkashi, which triggered flash floods and landslides in the area. With three casualties confirmed, at least 50 people have been reported missing. As rescue operations intensify, helicopter service has been deployed in a joint effort by the Indian Air Force, NDRF, ITBP and the Indian Army.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Key developments
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall for Uttarakhand till August 13. Shocking landslides have caused large damage to the property and infrastructure of the state.
DIG of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Gambhir Singh Chauhan, told agencies that there were four teams deployed in Dharali. Since all the roads have been blocked and damaged, the only way to continue the rescue operations was via helicopters.
आज प्रातः काल से ही हेली रेस्क्यू शुरू किया जा चुका है। यात्रा मार्ग बाधित होने के कारण फंसे हुए लोगों को मातली हेलीपैड, उत्तरकाशी सुरक्षित लाया जा रहा है।@PMOIndia #Uttarkashi pic.twitter.com/Q8T3CZjX4l
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 7, 2025
Drone footage from Bhatwari, on the way to Dharali, revealed severe road damage caused by the cloudburst and mudslide, which blocked the Rishikesh-Uttarkashi highway. This significantly delayed initial rescue operations.
A group of 28-member group from Kerala, which was reported missing after the Uttarkashi cloudburst, was reported safe in the late hours of Wednesday.
CM Dhami meets evacuees
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media and shared that the “Heli-rescue” operations were initiated earlier today. The rescue operations involved disaster relief personnel airlifting several women and children who were stranded.
He has also been interacting with the rescue efforts personnel and the evacuees at the Matli Helipad in Uttarkashi. The multi-agency rescue operation is working relentlessly towards responding to the survivors in distress and rummaging through the damaged sites.
As of today, 44 people have been rescued so far today and were airlifted to safer locations. Meanwhile, in the Rudraprayag district, torrential rain led to the suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra throughout Tuesday.