At least four people have been confirmed dead, and around 50 others are missing after a monstrous flood swept through an Indian village and brought destruction. Several homes and hotels were obliterated by the powerful flood waters, and footage of the devastating incident has been circulating since it emerged on Tuesday.
The footage shows Dharali, a quiet Himalayan village in Uttarakhand, being overcome by water. In a matter of minutes, raging water surged down the mountainside, carrying with it boulders and trees. Reports say the flood swallowed buildings, vehicles, and even people who could not outrun it.
Some fled on foot, while others attempted to drive away, but the rushing water caught up to many. Among the destroyed structures were nearly two dozen hotels and homestays, popular spots for visitors heading to the nearby tourist site Harsil.
With many believed to be still trapped beneath the rubble, emergency response teams, including the army and local police, have launched a massive search and rescue operation. According to reports, officials have also requested the use of helicopters in the rescue mission to cover areas with mountainous terrain and remote locations. Schools in the region have been closed due to the expected additional rainfall.
Officials say the disaster reflects a broader and growing concern. Experts have been warning about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the region. According to reports, Uttarakhand, which is already vulnerable during the monsoon season, is even more prone to deadly disasters due to its unplanned development and changing climate patterns. In response to the deadly flood, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that every effort is being made to find those missing.
Uttarakhand is located deep in the Himalayas and has a history of battling seasonal disasters like flash floods and landslides. A similar incident occurred in 2023, when 30 people died in the region.
Reports point to the shifting weather patterns and climate change for the increasing severity of such events. The severe weather conditions have also been affecting nearby areas like Macau and Guangdong, where residents have been facing deadly storms and floods.
