KrystleZiemba7 at 20:50, 17 March 2026

2026-03-17T20:50:02Z

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{{Short description|Fatal flooding in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox flood
| name = 2025 Uttarakhand flash flood
| affected = [[Uttarkashi]], [[Uttarakhand]], India
| image location = Uttarakhand in India (claimed and disputed hatched).svg
| image name = The state of Uttarakhand within India
| duration = 5 August 2025
| cause = [[Cloudburst]] or [[glacial lake outburst flood]] or glacier collapse or [[landslide]]
| Water Level = 987 metres
| total damages (USD) = Several houses and hotels
| total fatalities =5+<br>
50 - 100+ missing
}}
The '''2025 Uttarakhand flash flood''' occurred on 5 August 2025 in [[Uttarkashi]], [[Uttarakhand]], India. The disaster killed at least five people and left more than 100 others missing.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 August 2025 |title=Uttarkashi floods: Death toll reaches 5, 11 soldiers missing Top updates |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/uttarkashi-floods-cloudburst-dharali-death-toll-missing-rescue-operation-125080600931_1.html |access-date=6 August 2025 |publisher=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref><ref name="Hindustan Times 1">{{Cite news |date=6 August 2025 |title=Uttarkashi cloudburst live updates: 5 dead, 100 missing, including Army jawans |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarkashi-cloudburst-live-updates-uttarakhand-flash-floods-dharali-cloudburst-harsil-rescue-death-toll-missing-army-101754438886197.html |access-date=6 August 2025 |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=At least 50 missing after flash floods in Indian town|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/india-floods-himalayas-missing|website=Khaleej times|date=5 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand flash floods|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/uttarakhand-flash-floods-cloud-burst-dharali-harsil-village-houses-washed-away-rescue-death-toll-details-tharali-khir-ganga-river-uttarkashi-19648846.htm|date=5 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==Cause==
The cause of the event is still investigated. Media initially reported a [[cloudburst]] as the trigger for the disaster,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarkashi cloudburst havoc: At least 4 dead as flash floods swallow homes, hotels in Dharali; entire village|work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-cloudburst-flash-floods-hit-uttarkashi-several-villagers-washed-away/articleshow/123115132.cms|date=5 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref> but scientists are now exploring the possibility that a [[glacial lake outburst flood]] (GLOF), a glacier collapse, a landslide, or a combination of those different events may have caused the [[Kheer Ganga river]] to overflow with immense force.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Glacier collapse or lake burst likely causes dharali destruction|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/glacier-collapse-or-lake-burst-likely-caused-dharali-destruction-experts/articleshow/123127901.cms|date=6 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref> The floodwaters, carrying a large amount of debris and mud, tore through the Dharali village and surrounding areas. The [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) had previously{{WHEN|date=August 2025}} issued a warning for heavy rainfall in the region until 10 August.

==Casualties and damage==
The debris flow caused widespread destruction, particularly in the Dharali village ({{Coord|31|02|27|N|78|46|52|E|display=inline}}), which lies on the pilgrim route to [[Gangotri]] Dham. Initial reports confirmed five fatalities, with many more people feared missing. More than 70 people were presumed dead as of 14 August.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 August 2025 |title=Dozens killed, more than 200 missing after flash floods in Kashmir |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250814-flood-kills-37-in-indian-kashmir-mountain-village |access-date=14 August 2025 |publisher=[[France 24]]}}</ref> The Indian Army said injured individuals are receiving medical treatment at the Indian Army medical facility in [[Harsil]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 2025 |title=Uttarkashi cloudburst LIVE: 15–20 people successfully evacuated so far, says Army |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarkashi-cloudburst-live-updates-uttarakhand-flashflood-dharali-cloud-burst-rescue-harsil-missing-dead-army-101754386714845.html?id=101754391187820&utm_source=ht_site_copyURL&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site |access-date=5 August 2025 |publisher=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Locals estimate that hundreds of people could possibly be trapped under the debris.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 August 2025 |title=Flash floods 65 stranded in Uttarkashi rescued advanced equipment to be airlifted to Dharali |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/08/07/del26-ukd-cloudburst-ld-rescue.html |access-date=6 August 2025 |publisher=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref> Dramatic visuals from the scene showed houses, shops, and other infrastructure being crushed and obliterated by periodic waves of boulders and mud. The Dharali market was submerged, causing a fear of several casualties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 2025 |title=Live Uttarkhand cloudburst: SDRF team, stationed in Gangotri, rescues 80 people from Dharali |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/cloudburst-in-uttarkashi-village-washed-away-several-missing-rescue-operations-underway-people-dead-2025-08-05-1002110 |access-date=5 August 2025 |publisher=[[India TV]]}}</ref> Preliminary assessments suggest that at least 50 hotels were destroyed and around 40–50 houses were swept away.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 2025 |title=Uttarkashi news LIVE: Around 40–50 houses have been washed away, over 50 people missing, says NDRF DIG |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarkashi-cloudburst-live-updates-uttarakhand-flashflood-dharali-cloud-burst-rescue-harsil-missing-dead-army-101754386714845.html?id=101754398245551&utm_source=ht_site_copyURL&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site |access-date=5 August 2025 |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> A portion of the Harsil Army camp and helipad was damaged by debris flow.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 2025 |title=Uttarakhand Uttarkashi Cloudburst LIVE Updates: Landslide strikes Harsil army camp; rescue ops intensified in Dharali |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttarakhand-uttarkashi-cloudburst-live-missing-dead-10171062/ |access-date=5 August 2025 |publisher=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> Eleven soldiers were reported to be among the missing.<ref name="Hindustan Times 1" />

==Rescue operations==
Upon receiving news of the disaster, the Indian Army's Ibex brigade, along with teams from the [[National Disaster Response Force]]
(NDRF) and [[State Disaster Response Force (Uttarakhand)|State Disaster Response Force]] (SDRF), were immediately mobilized and dispatched to the affected areas. The [[Uttarkashi district]] magistrate confirmed that rescue teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage and are engaged in search and rescue operations. Uttarkashi police have urged residents and tourists to stay away from the swollen rivers. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was in contact with senior officials to monitor the situation and oversee relief efforts.<ref name="The Hindu">{{Cite news |date=5 August 2025 |title=Uttarkashi cloudburst LIVE: Flash floods in Uttarakhand leave four dead; over 60 feared trapped |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-uttarkashi-cloudburst-flash-floods-live-august-5-2025/article69896766.ece |access-date=5 August 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Dhami said 190 people were successfully rescued.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 August 2025 |title=Uttarkashi Cloudburst Live Updates: 190 People Rescued From Uttarkashi's Dharali Village, Says Chief Minister |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttarakhand-flash-floods-live-updates-himachal-pradesh-uttarkashi-cloudburst-deaths-rescue-operations-latest-news-9027948 |access-date=6 August 2025 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

Two [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook]]s, two [[Mil Mi-17]]s, an [[Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama]] and a [[HAL Dhruv]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] were placed on standby as poor weather hampered rescue operations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 2025 |title=Uttarkashi Cloudbursts: IAF Chinooks, Mi-17s On Standby To Assist Rescue As Poor Weather Hampers Ops |url=https://news.abplive.com/cities/uttarkashi-uttarakhand-cloudbursts-iaf-rescue-chinook-mi17-cheetah-alh-harshil-rescue-1792966 |access-date=5 August 2025 |publisher=[[ABP News]]}}</ref>

By late August 2025, the Air Force, from its Northern Secor, deployed five of its [[Mi-17]] helicopters along with a [[CH-47|Chinook]] and [[C-130J]] transport aircraft each for the [[Relief operations|flood relief operations]] following the Uttarakhand and [[2025 Kishtwar district flash flood|Kishtwar district flash floods]]. The C-130J aircraft boarded by an [[National Disaster Response Force|NDRF]] team reached Jammu to supply rescue materials, supplies and trained personnel. So far, 50 Army personnel, 21 [[Border Security Force|BSF]] personnel and over 40 civilians have been rescued by the fleet from regions including [[Akhnoor]], [[Pathankot]] and [[Dera Baba Nanak]]. Additionally, over 750 kg of relief materials were also air dropped into Pathankot as part of the operation. Additional helicopters and transport aircraft also remained on standby to join the operations if deemed necessary.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Indian Air Force responds swiftly to Jammu and Punjab Floods |date=2025-08-27 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2161332 |access-date=2025-08-31}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
The uttarakhand flash flood and cloudburst had a significant impact on the region's infrastructure and travel. The disaster led to the disruption of connectivity to Gangotri Dham, and the Char Dham Yatra was impacted by rain-triggered landslides and flash floods. The IMD's forecast for continued heavy rainfall raised concerns about the potential for further emergencies. The events in Uttarakhand and other parts of the Himalayan region, such as Jammu and Kashmir, have highlighted the devastating effects of extreme weather, and officials are maintaining round-the-clock vigilance in vulnerable zones. Residents in the affected areas were in a state of shock, with many families displaced and businesses in ruins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand village devastated by flash flood|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/before-after-pics-show-uttarakhand-village-devastated-by-flash-flood-101754390154131.html|website=hindustantimes.com|date=5 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref> A second cloud burst struck Sukhi Top near Dharali shortly after the first. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 2025 |title=BREAKING: Another cloudburst strikes Sukhi Top in Uttarkashi |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/fresh-cloudburst-strikes-sukhi-top-in-uttarkashi-y1xlj6ai |access-date=5 August 2025 |publisher=[[Mathrubhumi]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Uttarakhand flash floods: One dead, 66 still missing as rescue efforts continue |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87eyx1v039o |website=www.bbc.com |access-date=12 August 2025 |language=en-in |date=12 August 2025}}</ref>

== Geological and hydrological impact ==
A temporary lake approximately 400-500 m long formed upstream in Harsil, raising fears of further flooding if the natural dam were to breach. The IMD issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall through mid-August.<ref>{{cite news|title=Uttarkashi cloudburst: Temporary lake poses further threat of floods|publisher=The Economic Times|date=12 August 2025|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/uttarkashi-cloudburst-temporary-lake-poses-further-threat-of-floods/articleshow/123258951.cms}}</ref>

==Reactions==
===Domestic reactions===
*[[Government of India]] Union Home Minister [[Amit Shah]] spoke with [[Uttarakhand]] Chief Minister [[Pushkar Singh Dhami]] to take stock of the situation. Shah assured all necessary assistance and dispatched seven rescue teams, including three teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and four from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences to those affected and stated that relief and rescue teams were making every possible effort to help the people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amit Shah speaks to Uttarakhand CM following flash flood, dispatches 7 rescue teams|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/uttarkashi-cloudburst-amit-shah-speaks-to-uttarakhand-cm-following-flash-flood-dispatches-7-rescue-teams/articleshow/123117790.cms?from=mdr|website=economictimes|date=5 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* Uttarakhand's Chief Minister [[Pushkar Singh Dhami]] described the news of the losses as "extremely sad and painful." He confirmed that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), NDRF, district administration, and other teams were engaged in relief and rescue operations on a "war footing." Dhami stated he was in constant contact with senior officials to monitor the situation and ensure that help reached those affected.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Extremely painful': CM Dhami reacts to Uttarkashi cloudburst as flash foods ravage Dharali village |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/extremely-painful-cm-dhami-reacts-to-uttarkashi-cloudburst-as-flash-foods-ravage-dharali-village-uxbgzyap|website=mathrubhumi|date=5 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* The [[Indian Army]]'s Surya Command, specifically the "Ibex Brigade," was among the first responders. Troops were immediately mobilized to the affected area in Dharali village to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. The Army stated it was "resolute in support of our citizens during this natural calamity."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said that evacuation is being undertaken on priority basis and the situation is being constantly monitored.|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/watch-4-dead-several-missing-as-flashfloods-hit-uttarakhands-kheer-gad-10171067/lite/|website=indianexpress|date=5 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* In September 2025, [[Narendra Modi|Prime Minister Narendra Modi]] is scheduled to visit flood-affected regions in [[Uttarakhand]] and other northern Indian states to review the situation. According to government sources cited by news agencies, he will meet the respective Chief Ministers and senior officials to assess the conditions on the ground.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-05 |title=PM Modi to visit flood-affected states to review situation |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-flood-affected-states-punjab-himachal-review-situation/3968530/ |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref>
== Timeline ==
* '''5 August 2025''' – Flash flood devastates Dharali; initial casualties and missing persons reported.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Abigail |date=August 5, 2025 |title=At Least 4 Dead, 100 Still Missing After Flash Flood Caused by Cloudburst Washes Out Tourist Town |url=https://people.com/at-least-4-dead-100-still-missing-after-flash-flood-washes-out-tourist-town-11784997 |access-date=August 12, 2025 |work=People Inc.}}</ref>
* '''6-8 August 2025''' – Rescue operations intensify; causes begin to be investigated.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ellis-Petersen |first=Hannah |date=August 5, 2025 |title=About 100 people missing as flash flood tears through town in northern India |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/05/flash-flood-mudslide-hits-indian-town-dharali-deaths |access-date=August 12, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
* '''12 August 2025''' – Officials confirm 43 missing; warnings issued regarding ongoing rainfall and geological risks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Talwar |first=Gaurav |date=August 12, 2025 |title=For the 1st time, Uttarakhand govt says 43 still missing after Dharali flash flood |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-flood-havoc-43-missing-in-dharali-govts-1st-official-confirmation-fresh-rains-threaten-rescue-efforts/articleshow/123249735.cms |access-date=August 12, 2025 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[2025 Kishtwar district cloudburst]]
* [[List of floods]]
* [[List of deadliest floods]]
* [[Floods in India]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Disasters in India in 2025}}
{{Disasters in Uttarakhand}}
{{Natural disasters in India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Uttarakhand flash flood, 2025}}
[[Category:Meteorological events in 2025]]
[[Category:2025 disasters in India]]
[[Category:2025 floods in Asia]]
[[Category:2025 in Uttarakhand|Floods]]
[[Category:August 2025 in India]]
[[Category:Climate change in India]]
[[Category:Floods in India]]
[[Category:Uttarkashi]]

2025 Uttarakhand flash flood - Revision history

KrystleZiemba7 at 20:50, 17 March 2026