The devastating flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, have led to widespread damage, blocked roads, and a desperate search for dozens still missing. On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Indian Army confirmed that 70 people have been rescued, while more than 50 individuals remain unaccounted for.

This comes as rescue and relief operations entered their third consecutive day, with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities working tirelessly amid challenging terrain and inclement weather.

Intense Rescue Operations Underway

The Army, which has deployed teams across affected zones in Dharali and Gangotri, said it has set up an ad-hoc aviation base at Matli Helipad to support faster aerial operations. The base is being used to airlift advanced equipment and search teams to areas rendered inaccessible due to landslides and flooding.

Officials said that Dharali village, one of the worst-hit regions, has become the focal point of search operations, especially after reports of several individuals trapped under rubble from collapsed hotels and buildings.

190 Rescued from Dharali Town on Wednesday

On Wednesday, August 6, close to 190 people were safely evacuated from Dharali town, located in Uttarkashi district. These included local residents, tourists, and workers from nearby under-construction hotels. Many had taken shelter on higher ground after floodwaters inundated the lower areas.

Authorities report that roads remain washed out, making ground rescue operations nearly impossible in some sectors. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on standby, and helicopters have been pressed into service for relief drops and evacuations.

CM Dhami Visits Ground Zero

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Uttarkashi on Thursday morning to review the rescue operations first-hand. Before the departure of new teams toward affected areas, CM Dhami interacted with personnel, encouraging them and promising all logistical support from the state.

He reiterated the state's commitment to ensuring zero delay in assistance, saying, “Every life matters. We are working 24x7 to reach the missing and to restore normalcy.”

The CM also instructed district officials to speed up relief distribution and make arrangements for temporary shelters for displaced people in makeshift camps.

50+ Still Missing — Families in Distress

Despite the rescue efforts, over 50 people remain missing, including labourers, pilgrims, tourists, and hotel staff. Among them are 16 individuals from Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, according to Jalgaon Collector Ayush Prasad, who confirmed that their last known location was near Dharali.

Officials suspect that many of the missing were residing or working in partially built hotels, which collapsed under the pressure of the flash floods. The terrain has made debris removal slow and dangerous, further complicating the search for trapped individuals.

Several families from across India are anxiously awaiting news from authorities, and helpline numbers have been set up by the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Department for updates.

Badrinath Highway Blocked, Connectivity Hit

As rains continue to lash the region, a major concern is the blockage of the Badrinath National Highway near Pipalkoti, due to debris falling from the hillside. This has cut off a critical route, impacting not only rescue operations but also the movement of supplies and equipment.

The Public Works Department (PWD) is working with heavy machinery to clear the blockage. However, landslide-prone areas remain unstable, and movement is restricted during peak rain hours.

Gangotri Pilgrims Prioritised

Among the top priorities for the rescue teams is the safe evacuation of stranded pilgrims from Gangotri Dham, a sacred Himalayan shrine visited by thousands each year. Officials said many pilgrims are safe but stranded due to washed-out roads and broken communication lines.

Tents, food packets, and medical aid are being air-dropped by helicopters to isolated zones, especially near trekking routes and guesthouses where some groups had been staying when the cloudburst occurred.

Massive Rainfall and Sudden Cloudburst

The disaster unfolded after an intense cloudburst on August 5, which brought unprecedented rainfall within hours, leading to flash floods, landslides, and river overflow in parts of Uttarkashi. Experts said such cloudbursts are becoming more frequent and unpredictable due to changing climate patterns and Himalayan ecosystem stress.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heavy rainfall in higher altitudes, prompting red alerts in several districts including Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh.

Central Government Monitoring Situation

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is in close contact with Uttarakhand authorities, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed additional teams to assist in relief operations. The Union Home Ministry is reportedly reviewing the situation hourly and is ready to release additional disaster funds if needed.

Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah tweeted his concern and assured full central assistance to the state, stating, “Our thoughts are with the affected families in Uttarkashi. We stand with Uttarakhand.”

Looking Ahead

As rescue operations continue into the night and beyond, authorities are racing against time to locate the missing and restore basic connectivity in the worst-hit zones.

For now, the rescue of 70 people offers hope, but the uncertainty around those still trapped and the continuing bad weather means the region remains on high alert. The situation is evolving rapidly, and every hour counts in the race to save lives and bring relief to a region grappling with the aftermath of nature’s fury.

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