A severe flash flood hit the city of Uttarkashi in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand on Monday 4/8/2025 evening. It was caused by extremely heavy rain that swept over the valley around the Kheer Ganga river. A wave of mud and rocks swept away parts of the city’s Dharali district, including residential buildings, hotels and local shops.

According to local authorities, at least five people have died and more than sixty people are missing. Among them are eleven army personnel who were near the Harshil army camp at the time of the floods. Many are trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings or mud-swept streets.

Rescue services immediately launched a large-scale operation. The army, national and regional intervention units, helicopters, rescue dogs and heavy equipment were deployed. Access to the city is complicated by landslides that have cut off main roads. Several people had to be rescued from rooftops where they were waiting for help. So far, about 130 people have been evacuated.

The chief minister of Uttarakhand state has described the situation as extremely serious. A state of emergency has been declared on the spot and a warning of further rainfall is still in effect in the area. Authorities warn that similar events will become more frequent, especially due to a combination of climate change and unplanned construction in mountainous regions that are extremely vulnerable to flooding.

Many families in the city of Uttarkashi have lost everything – their homes, property and relatives. The city will need significant assistance and long-term reconstruction.