As you travel to Gangotri, roughly 6-7 kilometers away from Harsil, lies the village of Dharali, about 15-18 kilometers short of Gangotri. Those who can't find accommodation in Harsil often stay in Dharali. Beyond this, there are no towns or hotels all the way to Gangotri. Dharali is a quaint little town.
For tourists, there are guesthouses, restaurants, and small cafes, along with the renowned Kalp Kedar Temple, linked to the Pandavas' journey. Nestled right by the Bhagirathi River, this locale is famed for its apples. On the way to Gangotri, about 5-6 glaciers can be encountered, cutting through which roads have been constructed.
In this 2025 monsoon, the Himalayan regions have once again been ravaged, famously known as 'Himalayan Tsunami,' including cloudburst and floods, wreaking havoc in the hilly areas every year. Recently, the cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarakhand, has drawn everyone's attention. The streams have overflowed, with water rushing rapidly downhill.
Source: aajtak
The district disaster management has confirmed this incident, although precise details on loss of life or damage are yet to be ascertained. This village's proximity to the Gangotri shrine and the winter sojourn Mukhva of the River Ganges makes the episode even more severe. Let's delve into the frequency of cloudbursts in the Himalayan states this monsoon and their impacts.
What Constitutes a Cloudburst?
A cloudburst is a natural phenomenon where over 10 centimeters (100 millimeters) of rain falls in an hour over a small area. In mountainous regions like the Himalayas, this occurs when moisture-laden clouds clash with the mountains, triggering sudden heavy rain, causing streams to swell, and sparking floods and landslides, which people term as Himalayan tsunami. The event unfolds so swiftly that forecasting it is challenging.
How Many Incidents Occurred in the 2025 Monsoon?
During the 2025 monsoon season (from June till now), numerous cloudburst incidents have been recorded in the Himalayan states—Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and other hilly areas. Based on current information...
Himachal Pradesh:
The most affected state has witnessed 19 cloudbursts and 23 flood incidents between June 20 and July 6. Mandi district bore the brunt, with July 1 seeing 1,900% more rainfall, causing 10 deaths and 34 missing.
Uttarakhand:
Several cloudbursts have been reported, including the recent Dharali event. Chamoli and Pithoragarh also experienced such incidents in July, leading to over 10 deaths.
Jammu & Kashmir:
In June and July, Kishwar and Rajouri reported cloudbursts, resulting in floods, but detailed numbers are scarce.
Total Estimates:
So far, around 30 to 40 cloudbursts have been recorded in the Himalayan states, but the precise tally is evolving as many occurrences are in remote areas, where information sometimes reaches with delays.
These events have claimed over 100 lives to date, with hundreds missing. Homes, roads, and infrastructures have incurred significant damage.
What Happened in Dharali?
Recently, a cloudburst near Dharali village in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand occurred. Located at a distance from the sacred Gangotri shrine and the winter abode of the Ganges in Mukhva, it caused...
Streams to overflow swiftly, witnessing a robust downhill water flow.
The district disaster management confirmed the incident, but no definitive information is available regarding any casualties or property damage yet.
Local residents and administration are on high alert. Rescue operations may kick in if the situation escalates.
This incident is worrisome as Gangotri is a religious site attracting pilgrims throughout. The area remains sensitive even during winter sojourns.
Why are Cloudbursts Occurring?
Scientists attribute the increasing incidents of cloudbursts to several factors...
Climate Change: Global warming enhances atmospheric moisture levels, leading to heavy rainfall.
Topography: The towering Himalayan cliffs and slopes expedite water rush, inciting floods.
Unplanned Development: Roads, dams, and construction weaken the mountains, raising landslide and flood risks.
Monsoon Impact: When the southwest monsoon winds hit the Himalayas, sudden rains ensue.
What Could Be the Repercussions?
Loss of Life and Property: Houses are swept away, roads break, trapping residents. Reports disclose over 78 deaths in Himachal and 34 missing in Mandi.
Threat to Religious Sites: The safety of pilgrims visiting sites like Gangotri becomes a concern.
Long-term Effects: Crops are ruined; basic amenities like power and water supply are disrupted.
