Flash Floods Triggered by Cloudburst in Uttarakhand

A dramatic video has surfaced showing a car, with people trapped inside, being swept away by flash floods in Uttarakhand. The incident occurred on Tuesday following a powerful cloudburst in the Dharali area near Harshil, located in the Uttarkashi district. The sudden cloudburst unleashed devastating floods, causing widespread destruction throughout the region.

Eyewitness Accounts and Video Footage

The video captures the harrowing moment as the car is carried away by the muddy waters, resembling corks bobbing on waves. Eyewitnesses can be heard expressing their shock and concern for those inside the vehicle. “Woh dekho gaadi (See that car),” exclaimed one man, while another confirmed, “Aadmi pura bhara hua hai, aadmi hai isme, aadmi hai (The car is filled with people. There are people inside).” The video ends abruptly after 30 seconds, leaving the fate of the car and its occupants unknown.

Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

The cloudburst struck at approximately 1:45 pm near Dharali village, just 4 km from an Indian Army camp at Harshil. Dharali is a key stopover en route to Gangotri and hosts numerous hotels, restaurants, and homestays. The cloudburst affected the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River, leading to severe flooding. Within ten minutes of the incident, the Indian Army mobilized 150 personnel to assist in rescue operations. Teams worked swiftly to evacuate trapped villagers and provide essential aid.

Authorities’ Statements and Safety Measures

In response to the disaster, authorities have urged residents to maintain a safe distance from riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the situation as “extremely sad and distressing,” emphasizing that relief operations are being conducted on a war footing. He stated that teams from SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other agencies are actively engaged in rescue efforts.