Dharali Cloudburst: 43 Still Missing as Rescue Continues Amid Heavy Rain
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On August 5, 2025, Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, was hit by a sudden cloudburst followed by flash floods and landslides. The powerful surge of water and debris swept away several houses, hotels, and shops, leaving the area in ruins. At least five people have been confirmed dead, while dozens remain missing.
The government has officially confirmed that 43 people are still unaccounted for, including civilians and soldiers. One more body has been recovered from the debris. The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning until August 15, which could make rescue efforts even more difficult.
Rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing under Operation Dhruv Sena. Teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, BRO, and local administration are working together. Helicopters have airlifted 164 stranded people to safer locations. However, bad weather has often disrupted air rescue, forcing ground teams to continue their search in dangerous conditions.
Local residents and survivors have shared emotional accounts of the tragedy. Many are still searching for missing family members, while others have requested relocation to safer areas. Workers from other states, including Bihar and Nepal, are among those affected.
Both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister have assured full support from the central and state governments. Relief camps, medical aid, and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing. However, continuous rain and difficult terrain are slowing progress.
The entire nation is hoping for the safe recovery of those missing and for the relief and rescue operations to succeed soon. This disaster serves as another reminder of the vulnerability of Himalayan villages to extreme weather events.
