On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at around 1:50 PM, life in Dharali village turned into a nightmare within seconds. People were going about their daily routines – sipping tea in hotels, shopping at local stores, working in fields – unaware that the skies were about to unleash disaster.
A sudden cloudburst in the upper reaches triggered a furious surge in the Kheer Ganga river. Within just 20 seconds, the river’s water level rose dramatically, bringing along a torrent of debris that stormed into Dharali’s bustling marketplace.
Shops, hotels, restaurants, homestays – everything was flattened. Even the sacred Kalp Kedarnath Temple, a spiritual symbol of the region, was washed away.
Also Read: Watch Video – Hyderabad Road Collapses After Rain, Water Tanker Falls Into Nala in Banjara Hills
As the raging waters advanced, people ran for their lives. Some shouted for their mothers, others clutched their children’s hands – but the merciless waves spared no one and nothing in their path.Rescue operations by SDRF, NDRF, the army, and local police began immediately.
So far, around 130 people have been rescued safely, while over 70 remain missing. 4 deaths have been confirmed, and many more are feared. More than 30 houses, hotels, and shops are buried under layers of mud and debris.
The Gangotri Highway is severely damaged, connecting bridges have collapsed, and poor weather has grounded helicopters. Relief camps have been set up, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is monitoring the situation closely. PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured full support.
But amid the rescue, the real question arises – could this disaster have been avoided? Dharali has witnessed similar warnings in past years, yet permanent preventive measures were never taken.
This tragedy is no longer just Dharali’s story. It’s a wake-up call for every mountain village – before the next rainstorm turns another town into history.