On August 5, 2025, Uttarakhand’s serene Uttarkashi district experienced twin cloudburst disasters—first in Dharali village near Harsil and, shockingly, a second at Sukhi Top just hours later. These devastating cloudbursts unleashed flash floods, landslides, and a humanitarian crisis that gripped the region.
First Cloudburst –
Around 1:45pm, a massive cloudburst struck Dharali village, situated along the Kheer Ganga river on the route to Gangotri. Within minutes, flash floods and a landslide swept through the village, washing away houses, homestays, and shops. Several roads—including access to the sacred Gangotri Dham—were cut off.
– Locals and officials reported at least four deaths, with estimates of 50 or more people missing. Many were feared buried under debris or swept away by the raging waters. Heart-stopping videos showed people scrambling for safety, with some locals crawling through rubble to escape the deluge.
Second Cloudburst – Sukhi Top:
– Only hours after the Dharali disaster, Sukhi Top, located nearby, was struck by another intense cloudburst. Flash floods hit high-altitude villages and damaged or swept away additional buildings. The compound tragedy escalated the crisis, with residents and authorities struggling to come to terms with the scale of the destruction.
– While the Dharali market and many homes in that area were devastated, immediate reports from Sukhi Top indicated significant concern but less devastation to life and property, though authorities noted that the extent was still being ascertained.
Relief, Rescue, and Administration Response:-
Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and local police were swiftly mobilized to carry out search, rescue, and relief operations around the clock.
– Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and top officials closely monitored the situation and issued helpline numbers for those in distress.
– Schools in several districts were closed as a precaution, and people were advised to stay in safe locations given the continued heavy rain forecast.
Helpline numbers issued
Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre has issued the following emergency numbers: 01374222126, 01374222722, 9456556431
The twin cloudbursts in Uttarkashi—first in Dharali, then Sukhi Top—brought devastation, courage, and both heartbreak and hope to the Himalayas. As rescue operations continue, let these tragedies remind us about the fragility of mountain communities and the urgent need to address climate vulnerability.
*Stay tuned for continuing live updates, official helpline information, and verified videos as more details emerge from the ground.*