August 5 flash flood forms lake in Uttarakhand’s Harsil

UTTARKASHI (Uttarakhand): The August 5 flash flood in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district left a trail of destruction. It also led to the formation of a new lake in Harsil. The debris of structures destroyed by the flash flood is seen floating in the lake.

The survivors of the devastating flash floods recounted harrowing moments of terror as they fought to save their lives. “Our house got washed away. All our things were in it… Everything is gone. We just ran to save our lives…” said one of the victims.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand | A lake has been formed in Harsil following the flash floods due to the cloudburst that occurred on August 5 pic.twitter.com/xjardbbKzd

— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2025

The flash floods in Uttarakhand have brought unimaginable destruction, with survivors describing the disaster as a nightmare that will stay with them forever. A total of 566 people were evacuated by Friday noon from the affected areas, while personnel still carried out rescue operations for 300 people who were stranded.

At least five people have been reported dead, and 50 are still missing. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been actively involved in the rescue operations, utilising state-of-the-art equipment, including a victim locating camera and thermal imaging camera. Dog squads have been deployed alongside rescue personnel to search for stranded individuals.

Lal Babu Sharma, a resident involved in the rescue operations stated that he was working along with 11 other men when the disaster occurred, further stating that no trace of them has been left. “Eleven people were working with us when this disaster struck. There is no trace of those 11 men. We request the administration to help find them as soon as possible”, Sharma said.

Upendra, another resident engaged in the rescue operations stated that there was no possibility of anyone’s survival. “I came here just five minutes after the incident. There was no possibility of anyone surviving here. We tried our best to save people… But this place was completely covered with debris… 12-13 of our people are missing”, Upendra said.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with rescue agencies, and ensuring that the state’s development agenda remains on track. He has also chaired a cabinet meeting in the disaster-affected area, demonstrating his commitment to the region’s development despite the crisis. (ANI)