A massive cloudburst in the upper reaches of Boss Kheer Ganga River near Dharali town in Uttarkashi district has unleashed widespread destruction, turning a tranquil Himalayan valley into a disaster zone overnight. The sudden surge in water, triggered by incessant rainfall, brought down massive debris from the surrounding hills, sweeping through the Dharali market area and engulfing houses, hotels, and other structures in its path.
The Mukhba region, revered as the maternal home of Mother Ganga, is now battling nature’s fury as raging floodwaters tore through Dharali, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Eyewitnesses described the scene as catastrophic water mixed with boulders and sludge came thundering down the slopes, catching residents off guard. Initial reports indicate multiple casualties and many people reported missing, with emergency services struggling to access the worst-hit locations due to blocked routes and continuing rainfall.
Authorities confirmed that teams from the Indian Army, SDRF, and local police have been dispatched from Bhatwadi and adjoining regions to carry out search, rescue, and relief operations. Despite the ongoing weather challenges, rescue forces are navigating treacherous terrain to reach the affected population. The Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey has also been tasked with overseeing the coordination of all possible support on the ground.
Taking serious note of the calamity, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has postponed all scheduled engagements and has rushed to Dehradun to personally monitor the relief operations. He held an urgent call with district officials and directed immediate evacuation, medical support, and temporary shelter for those displaced by the floods.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and property in the region. Terming it an unfortunate natural disaster, he conveyed his sympathies to the affected families and spoke directly with Chief Minister Dhami. Amit Shah assured full central support, including deploying more resources if required. He has instructed the NDRF and other central agencies to be on high alert and carry out operations with urgency and sensitivity.
“Necessary relief efforts are underway, and we are ensuring that the state gets all the help it needs,” Shah stated. He is in continuous touch with the Uttarakhand government, emphasising swift and coordinated action from both central and state authorities.
