Uttarkashi cloudburst today: Over 50 hotels submerged, tourists urged to stay away

Flash Floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali Village

Torrential rains have triggered catastrophic flash floods in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, submerging around 50 hotels, damaging infrastructure, and leaving a trail of destruction across the Harsil valley. The sudden swelling of the Khir Ganga River, following cloudburst-like conditions, has resulted in widespread panic and emergency evacuations.

Shocking visuals from the site show buildings being swept away in seconds, while residents and visitors were seen fleeing to safety. Several homes have been destroyed, and authorities fear potential casualties as rescue operations intensify.

In response to the extreme weather, the Amarnath Yatra 2025 has also been officially called off a week early, citing dangerous pilgrimage conditions across Jammu and Kashmir. The decision comes amid increasing incidents of landslides and flash floods across Char Dham routes, including Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which continue to face road blockages and unstable terrain.

The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration have been deployed to assist with rescue and relief in Uttarkashi’s worst-hit areas.

In a public appeal, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that multiple relief teams are working round-the-clock. He urged travellers and residents to stay away from riverbanks, particularly near Khir Ganga, and to remain indoors unless necessary.

The Uttarkashi Police issued a specific alert asking locals to safeguard children and livestock and refrain from venturing near flooded zones.

Here Are Some of The High-Risk Travel Zones Tourists Should Avoid:

• Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand: Dharali, Harsil, and nearby riverbank areas
• Char Dham Route: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath
• Amarnath Yatra Tracks: Officially shut due to weather-related damage
• Himachal Hill Stations: Kullu, Mandi, parts of Kangra, Nainital, Dehradun
• Landslide Zones: Rudraprayag, Haldwani (where three deaths have been reported), Champawat, Bageshwar

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for very heavy rainfall in the districts of Nainital, Dehradun, Champawat, Bageshwar, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar until Tuesday. Flash floods, overflowing streams, and landslides remain a serious concern.

Travel Tips & Safety Measures

• Postpone non-essential travel to Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir
• Follow real-time updates from IMD, Disaster Management Authorities, and state tourism boards
• Avoid trekking, river rafting, and pilgrimage travel in the Himalayas during this period
• Carry emergency supplies, stay updated with local helplines, and follow official evacuation orders