On August 5, 2025, a major cloudburst struck the village of Dharali, near Harsil in Uttarkashi district, triggering catastrophic flash floods and a landslide along the upper Kheer Ganga river basin . Eyewitness accounts and video footage show floodwaters violently sweeping away homes, hotels, and infrastructure—effectively erasing the village from the map .

Local authorities - including SDRF, NDRF, Uttarakhand Police, and the Army - have mobilized rescue and relief operations, racing against time to locate survivors and evacuate the affected region . The rising flow of the Kheer Ganga downstream has heightened concern, with several individuals reported missing and damage widespread .

This incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of Himalayan valleys during monsoon season, as heavy rains and unstable terrain trigger frequent landslides and flash floods. Disaster authorities are urging residents and pilgrims along the Gangotri route to remain on high alert and avoid travel in affected zones until forecasts improve.