On August 5, 2025, Dharali Village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, was severely impacted by a sudden cloudburst. This event triggered a series of mudslides and flash floods that swept away most of the village, including several hotels, hostels, and restaurants. As of August 7, 2025, five casualties have been reported and several others are missing. If you’re planning to visit Uttarakhand soon, here’s what you need to know about the unfortunate Uttarkashi Flash Floods 2025 and important travel warnings to keep in mind. We’ve listed down important helpline numbers, travel warnings, and updates so far in the article.
Note that this is a developing story.
Uttarakhand Flash Floods 2025: Key Details, Causes, And Travel Warnings
What Caused The Dharali Uttarkashi Flash Floods?
India woke up to the gut-wrenching visuals of the Uttarkashi Flash Floods 2025 on the morning of August 5, 2025. A cloudburst, as speculated by many, started this unfortunate series of events. While many speculate that the flash floods were the result of a cloudburst in the upper catchment of the Kheer Ganga, experts believe that the amount of rainfall in the Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, August 7, was inadequate in causing a cloudburst.
Rohit Thapliyal, a scientist with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) told the Press Trust of India, “Data available with us does not reflect the occurrence of a cloudburst”. He elaborated that the district received only “27 mm” of rainfall – a quantity that is too little to cause a cloudburst or flash floods of such harrowing intensity.
The Rugged Topography Of Uttarkashi
Experts also believe that the rugged topography of the region may have been a key contributing factor in the intense cloudburst in Dharali village. Here, heavy rainfall often results in landslides, sending silt and mud flowing down the rivers and streams with great force. As it moves down with speed, it gains momentum, almost like an avalanche, leading to flash floods downstream.
Uttarkashi district is located in a high elevation zone, with its elevation ranging from 800 to 6,900 meters above sea level. It receives heavy rainfall, especially during the southwest monsoon season (June to September). Annual rainfall averages to 1,289 mm in the district, with July being the wettest month on average.
Uttarkashi’s topography, paired with the continuous downpour is said to have caused these devastating flash floods in the district on Tuesday. Of course, climate change has had a great impact on not just this incident but the overall topography and climate of the region. Rising global temperatures are leading to an increase in deglaciation rates in the area. This means that glaciers and snow accumulated in the mountain peaks are melting at a faster rate – therefore, leading to an increase in the water volume in the rivers and streams.
Uttarkashi Flash Floods 2025 Updates So Far:
Dharali Village Rescue Operations And Cloudburst In Sukhi Top
On the noon of August 5, 2025, intense downpours and flash floods swiftly swept away the village of Dharali, along with its livestock, buildings, and people. Meteorological warnings have been issued till August 10, 2025 all across the state of Uttarakhand.
So far, five people have been reported dead and several others have been missing. While the army, local administration, and the State Disaster Response Fund of Uttarakhand have started rescue operations, rescuing dozens of trapped and missing people would not be an easy feat.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the Uttarkashi Flash Floods 2025 and assured that both the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams will be dispatched to carry out rescue operations.
Just a few hours after flash floods swept away a major chunk of the Dharali Village, a cloudburst occurred in the Sukhi Top Area near Dharali. As the region continues to experience intense rainfall and sudden cloudbursts, the state government has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid visiting vulnerable areas.
Road Blockages, Rising Water Levels In The Ganga, And Rescue Operations
Chamoli Police, Uttarakhand, has warned locals that the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been washed out near Saldhar. Similarly, the road near Paagalnala and Bhanerpani on Badrinath National Highway was blocked on August 5, 2025 and the work to remove the debris is in progress.
Many parts of the Ganga River are also experiencing a rise in water levels, causing waterlogging in many parts of Haridwar. So, if you’re planning to visit the city or are already here, stay away from the ghats and riverside areas and stay alert.
On August 6, 2025, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami carried out a helicopter survey of the affected areas and reviewed rescue operations.
So far, the state government reported that the combined efforts of the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP rescued about 150 people in Uttarkashi. Additionally, 413 pilgrims stranded along the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route have also been rescued.
Flash Floods Uttarakhand: Keep These Travel Tips In Mind
- Avoid non-essential travel to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir until further government notice.
- Avoid visiting the following areas: Dharali, Harsil, and nearby riverbank settlements, the Char Dham routes, Amarnath Yatra route, parts of Nainital, Mandi, Dehradun, Haldwani, Kullu, and Manali.
- Experts have issued orange warnings for most regions in the state, especially those near major rivers and streams. Follow these warnings and avoid visiting such places.
- Stay updated on the latest weather updates on weather apps, news portals, India Meteorological Department alerts, as well as social media.
- Postpone, reroute, or cancel your plans if you were heading for treks, pilgrimage, or travel to these places.
- Here are important contact numbers to save in your phone if you’re in these areas or planning to travel to these areas:
- Uttarkashi District Emergency Operation Centre: 01374222126, 222722, 9456556431
- Uttarakhand Tourist Control Room: 1070
- District emergency helplines: 0135‑1364, 0135‑2559898, 0135‑2552627
Summing Up
The Uttarakhand Flash Floods 2025 have caused grave damage to the life and property of the people in the Uttarakhand district. With rescue operations in full swing as you read, we are hopeful that the unfortunate incident will see more lives being rescued. Remember to avoid visiting these flood-affected areas, seek shelter indoors, and stay alert on the latest weather updates.
