Update: Uttarakhand flood disaster – 4 dead, 50 still missing after cloudburst in Dharali

Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, after a massive flood hit Dharali market on Tuesday afternoon due to a sudden cloudburst. The disaster, caused by heavy rainfall around 1:45 PM in the Khir Ganga River, has so far left four people confirmed dead, while at least 50 remain missing, according to local authorities.

Rescue teams from the army, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are working in difficult conditions, as continuous rain and damaged roads have slowed efforts. The District Magistrate (DM) Prashant Arya and SP Sarita Dobal are on-site coordinating the response.

About 30 to 40 houses and hotels were swept away or buried in the flood. Electricity and phone services in the area are still down, making rescue communication more difficult. Landslides have also blocked several sections of the Rishikesh–Gangotri highway, including areas like Harshil and Sakki Tap.

There is still no confirmed report of any Nepali nationals among the victims, but the Nepali Embassy in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation. Dharali is a common stop for Nepali pilgrims heading to Gangotri and also a seasonal destination for Nepali apple farm workers.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed concern and assured full support for rescue and relief. The weather forecast continues to warn of heavy rainfall, and authorities have urged people in the region to remain alert.

This flooding incident comes as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face weeks of extreme monsoon weather. In Himachal alone, 103 people have died and 36 are missing due to rain-related disasters.