Extreme Rainfall and Cloudburst
A sudden, intense downpour—often referred to as a cloudburst—struck Dharali village, dumping over 210 mm of rain in just a few hours. In mountainous areas, such short, heavy bursts can overwhelm streams and rivers, leading to catastrophic flash floods.
Topography & Landslide Risks
Uttarkashi lies in the steep terrain of the Garhwal Himalayas, featuring sharp slopes, fragile rock structures, and narrow valleys. These geological conditions make the area highly susceptible to landslides—especially when loose debris and mud from higher elevations are swept downstream, compounding the flood’s force.
Possible Glacial or Lake Outburst
While early reports labeled the event a cloudburst, ongoing investigations suggest the flood could have also involved a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), glacier collapse, landslide, or a combination of such factors. In high-altitude regions like Uttarkashi, these events can unleash explosive torrents of water and debris.
Impact of Climate Change & Human Activity
Experts point to climate change as driving an increase in extreme weather events. Warmer air holds more moisture, intensifying monsoon downpours and making flash floods more frequent and severe. Additionally, the region’s fragile ecology, unchecked tourism, and development—like road construction on unstable slopes—have heightened its vulnerability to disasters.
The Human Toll
Fatalities and Missing Persons: At least 4–5 people have died, and dozens to over a hundred are feared missing.
Rescue Terrain: Rescue efforts are hindered by blocked roads, heavy rains, and rugged topography. The Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and local teams are leading operations, rescuing over 130–190 people despite challenging conditions.
Conclusion
The Uttarkashi flash flood was likely a result of several converging factors: a cloudburst or extreme rainfall, unstable Himalayan terrain prone to landslides, potential glacial activity, and deeper structural vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change and hasty development. Together, these created a perfect storm that turned a mountain village into a disaster zone almost instantly.
