Destructive mudslide sweeps through Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, leaving at least 4 dead and over 50 missing

A sudden cloudburst over Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, northern India, triggered a violent flash flood and mudslide at approximately 13:45 LT (08:15 UTC) on August 5. The incident occurred in the Kheer Gad catchment area, around 4 km (2.5 miles) from the Indian Army’s Harshil post, in a region frequented by Gangotri pilgrims during the monsoon season.

The floodwaters carried heavy debris and mud downstream, damaging or sweeping away dozens of structures in Dharali, including residential buildings, shops, hotels, and homestays. Estimates suggest that between 20 and 25 tourism-related buildings were destroyed or severely impacted. In addition, the Dharali market area, located on the route to Gangotri Dham, suffered severe damage.

According to district authorities, at least four fatalities have been confirmed, and more than 50 people remain missing and are believed to be trapped under mud and debris. Local estimates indicate that 10–12 workers in the area may have been buried when the landslide struck.

Roads in the affected area, including sections of National Highway 58, are blocked, and mobile networks and power supply have been disrupted.

Rescue operations are underway, involving the Indian Army’s Ibex Brigade, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indo‑Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and local police.

The Army evacuated 15–20 people within minutes of the event, while NDRF teams are conducting search and rescue under hazardous conditions. Helicopters have been placed on standby for aerial evacuation and supply drops.

A second cloudburst was reported at Sukhi Top later the same day, compounding the situation. In nearby Banala Patti (Barkot area), flash floods washed away at least 18 goats, and other livestock losses have been reported.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand through August 10, warning of further landslide risk in the region.

Local authorities have advised residents and visitors to avoid riverbanks and high‑risk slopes and have temporarily suspended movement on the Char Dham pilgrimage route.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

This author does not have any more posts.