Uttarakhand Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Ongoing Monsoon Fury

As of August 25th, 2025, relief and rescue operations are ongoing in the disaster-affected areas of Uttarakhand, including Dharali and Tharali, despite heavy rains lashing the state. According to officials, 68 people are currently missing in Dharali, and 1 person is missing in Tharali.

The Meteorological Department had issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rains in many districts of Uttarakhand on August 25th, leading to school closures in several areas, including Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Nainital, and Chamoli. The search and rescue efforts are being carried out by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and various state government agencies.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) reports that ration and other essential items are being supplied daily to the affected areas of Dharali through several helicopters. However, due to the bad weather on August 25th, the helicopters could not fly. The Uttarkashi district administration has been instructed to store ration for 15 days in view of the ongoing rain situation.

In addition to the rescue efforts, the authorities are also working to address the aftermath of the disaster. In Dharali, almost half the village was destroyed in a severe flood on August 5th. The Army, District Administration, and SDRF are making efforts to increase the drainage of water from a lake formed due to the stoppage of the Bhagirathi river's flow in Harshil.

The Yamunotri highway has been closed for the last four days due to landslides and road collapses at multiple locations. The administration is also dealing with the aftermath of a flash flood in Tharali, Chamoli district, where three relief camps have been set up for the affected families.

Overall, the situation in Uttarakhand remains challenging, with ongoing rescue operations, infrastructure damage, and the need to provide essential supplies to the affected communities.