In a tragic turn of events, the peaceful village of Dharali in Uttarkashi faced a massive cloudburst on Tuesday, bringing back chilling memories of the 2013 Kedarnath disaster. Torrential rains triggered by a powerful western disturbance—originating from the Mediterranean Sea—caused the Khirganga river to flood, sweeping away homes, shops, and lives in seconds.
So far, four people have been confirmed dead and nearly 70 individuals are still missing. Over 130 people have been rescued, while around 30 commercial structures including hotels, shops, and homes are feared to be buried under debris.
What Happened in Uttarkashi?
Around 1:50 PM on August 5, a cloudburst occurred above Dharali village, located nearly 70 kilometers from the district headquarters. Within seconds, water mixed with mud and debris gushed into the main market area, destroying everything in its path. Locals ran for safety, but the speed of the flood left many with little time to react. Entire buildings and apple orchards were flattened, and even the revered Kalp Kedar temple was washed away in the flood.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
Immediately after the disaster, emergency response teams from the SDRF, NDRF, Army, and local police were rushed to the scene. Rescue operations began on a war footing. The state government has requested the Indian Air Force for two MI helicopters and a Chinook for aerial rescue, though bad weather has delayed flights. Two private helicopters have also been kept on standby by UCADA. Relief camps have been set up in Harsil to support displaced families.
Scientific Insight: Cloudburst Pattern Similar to Kedarnath 2013
Professor Ankit Agarwal, a hydrology expert at IIT Roorkee, revealed that the weather pattern responsible for this disaster is nearly identical to the one that caused the Kedarnath tragedy in 2013. He attributes this to a shift in western disturbances due to climate change, which now often collide with the Himalayas and lead to intense cloudbursts.
Professor Agarwal is also collaborating with Potsdam University in Germany under the Indo-German Project, studying the prediction and risks of natural hazards in the Indian Himalayan region. He warns that western disturbances, which were earlier common from October to December, are now appearing as early as June to August, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Himachal and Jammu Also at Risk
The changing weather pattern is not unique to Uttarakhand. Professor Agarwal also linked similar disasters in Himachal Pradesh, including the devastating September 2023 floods, to this shifting climatic behavior. States like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are now more vulnerable to excessive rainfall and cloudbursts during what used to be relatively dry months.
Chief Minister Dhami Responds
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that all possible relief measures are underway. He assured that the state administration, armed forces, and disaster management teams are working in coordination to ensure the safety of affected residents. He has instructed district authorities to offer every possible help to the victims and their families.
Looking Ahead: Preparedness Is the Key
Experts suggest that as climate patterns continue to evolve, early warning systems, better infrastructure, and community preparedness are the need of the hour in the Himalayan region. The recent disaster in Dharali is a grim reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is unfolding right now.
