In Uttarkashi, a sudden “wall of water” ripped through Dharali village on August 5, 2025, sweeping away homes, hotels, and livestock. At least four people died and approximately 100 are still unaccounted for, including several army personnel near Harsil. Rescue teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP continue searching tough mountainous terrain using drones, dogs, and satellite phones due to downed communication lines.

Initial media reports attributed the deluge to a cloudburst. However, emerging analysis from meteorological and satellite data reveals only minimal rainfall in the region far too light to trigger standard flash floods. Experts now strongly suspect a glacier collapse or glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) as the true cause. Satellite imagery confirms unstable glacial lakes and possible ice collapse upstream in Kheer Gad stream.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a deafening rumble like boulders grinding followed by screaming and shrieking as mud and debris raged through the valley, flattening much of Dharali. Rescue operations remain severely hindered by blocked roads and landslides.