Uttarkashi, August 6 (V7N) – At least four people have died and more than 50 others are feared missing after a devastating flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
 
The disaster struck on Tuesday following intense and sudden rainfall in the upper reaches of the Kheer Ganga River. The heavy downpour triggered a powerful surge of floodwaters that caused massive destruction in the area.
 
Local authorities have confirmed the fatalities and are continuing search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals. Emergency response teams, including disaster management units and the Indian Army, have been deployed to support rescue efforts in the remote Himalayan village.
 
Initial reports suggest extensive damage to homes, roads, and essential infrastructure. The suddenness of the flooding left residents with little time to evacuate, compounding the disaster’s toll.
 
Uttarkashi, a popular pilgrimage and trekking destination, is no stranger to natural disasters, but this year’s monsoon season has brought particularly heavy rainfall to the region, raising concerns about climate-induced extreme weather events.
 
Officials have urged residents living near riverbanks and low-lying areas to remain vigilant, as more rainfall is forecast in the coming days. Environmental experts warn that unchecked deforestation and unplanned development in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem are contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of such disasters.
 
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