A series of devastating cloudbursts in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district have triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction and plunging the region into crisis. Two major cloudbursts one near Dharali and another at Sukhi Top struck late Sunday night, washing away roads, homes, and vital infrastructure, with several people feared missing.

The Uttarkashi-Harsil road, a critical route connecting the higher Himalayan reaches, has suffered extensive damage. A key section near Bhatwadi was swept away, rendering the road to Harsil completely inaccessible. Dharali, among the worst-hit villages, lies nearly 50 kilometres from the damaged stretch and remains cut off.

Rescue and clearance operations are ongoing, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local authorities. Heavy machinery including JCBs has been pressed into service to remove debris and restore road connectivity. However, continued rainfall and unstable terrain have complicated relief efforts.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who rushed back to Dehradun from Andhra Pradesh, is overseeing operations from the State Emergency Operation Centre. “Restoration of electricity, water, and communication services is our immediate priority,” CM Dhami told ANI. “Our teams are working on a war footing to reach the affected areas.”

Telecommunication towers and power lines were damaged in the flooding, plunging entire regions into darkness and disrupting mobile and internet services. The Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam and the electricity department have been tasked with restoring essential services, with some progress expected by tonight.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh alerts for continued heavy rainfall in the hill districts, warning of further flash flood risks and landslides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the unfolding disaster and assured full central support. “I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and taken stock of the situation. My condolences to all those affected in Uttarkashi,” the PM said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Home Minister Amit Shah also promised “all possible assistance” from the Centre.

Union and state authorities remain on high alert as damage assessment continues and efforts are intensified to reach remote villages. With lives at risk and key infrastructure destroyed, the situation remains critical across Uttarkashi’s flood-hit zones.

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