5 Confirmed Dead After Tragic Flood Disaster, Dozens Missing
- A sudden cloudburst in India’s Himalayan state of Uttarakhand triggered a deadly mudslide that devastated the town of Dharali, leaving dozens missing and at least five confirmed dead
- Rescue operations are underway as officials fear the death toll could rise, with soldiers among those unaccounted for
- Experts warn that climate change and reckless development are intensifying the region’s vulnerability to such disasters
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
A sudden and violent cloudburst in India’s Himalayan state of Uttarakhand unleashed a torrent of water and mud on Tuesday, devastating the town of Dharali and leaving dozens of people missing.
At least five fatalities were confirmed, with fears that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continued into Wednesday.
Source: Getty Images
The catastrophe struck in the afternoon, when a surge of muddy water tore through the mountain valley, demolishing buildings and sweeping away homes. Videos aired on Indian media showed the terrifying moment the floodwaters engulfed Dharali, with residents screaming as they fled the deluge.
Many villagers had gathered in a temple for a festival when the wave of debris and water hit at high velocity, catching the town off guard.
Rescue efforts intensify as 100 reported missing
Indian Defence Minister Sanjay Seth confirmed four deaths initially, but officials warned that the number of casualties could increase. Around 100 people were reported missing, including eight soldiers from a nearby camp.
“The number of missing persons is unknown. However, the relief efforts have continued through the night,” said rescue leader Colonel Harshvardhan in a post on X. “We are trying to rescue people and take them to safety.”
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the destruction as “extremely sad and distressing” and said rescue teams had been deployed “on a war footing”. The India Meteorological Department recorded “extremely heavy” rainfall of up to 21cm (8in) in parts of the state.
Roads washed away, Rivers overflowing
Heavy overnight rain hampered rescue operations, with key access roads washed away and rivers flowing above danger levels. The Central Water Commission reported that four rivers at five locations remained in a “severe flood situation”, raising fears of further landslides and disasters.
India’s army deployed 150 troops to Dharali, rescuing around 20 survivors from the freezing sludge.
“A massive mudslide struck Dharali … triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement,” the army said.
Images released by the military showed the town blanketed in thick mud and debris, with a slow-moving muddy river still coursing through the area.
“Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to locate and evacuate any remaining stranded persons,” said army spokesperson Suneel Bartwal.
National response and climate concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured that “no stone is being left unturned in providing assistance”.
Experts have long warned that the frequency and intensity of such disasters are increasing due to climate change and unchecked urbanisation. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization stated in 2024 that extreme floods and droughts are a “distress signal” of a destabilised global water cycle.
Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain has made it particularly vulnerable. Past tragedies include the 2013 Kedarnath flash floods that claimed over 4,000 lives and the 2021 glacier burst in Chamoli that killed more than 200.
Climate activist Harjeet Singh, founding director of Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, called the disaster a result of a “deadly cocktail”.
“Global warming is supercharging our monsoons with extreme rain, while on the ground, our own policies of cutting hills, unscientific, unsustainable and reckless construction, and choking rivers for so-called ‘development’ are destroying our natural defences,” he said. “Are we not engineering our own disasters?”
Flood victims still homeless
Legit.ng earlier reported that several months have passed since the unfortunate flood disaster displaced hundreds of residents in Mokwa, Niger State.
Findings by Legit.ng show that victims are currently homeless and living in fear in tents provided by the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
While Governor Umar Mohammed Bago’s administration has reportedly paid temporary rent fees for many, many displaced people remain in makeshift shelters, constantly anxious that strong winds or rain could blow their refuge away.
Source: Legit.ng
