Over 100 missing after flash floods hit northern India

More than 100 people are missing and at least one person has been confirmed dead following a powerful cloudburst that unleashed sudden and devastating flash floods in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.

The disaster struck on Tuesday in the remote Dharali village of Uttarkashi district after a massive surge of water barreled down the mountains, sweeping away roads, buildings, and bridges in its path.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as torrents of water submerged parts of the village within minutes.

Rescue operations have been launched, but efforts have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing heavy rainfall.

While some Indian Army teams had already been stationed in Dharali and began immediate relief work, other emergency personnel and district officials have struggled to reach the affected zone due to washed-out roads and continuous downpours.

“Access to the area is extremely difficult at the moment,” a senior disaster response official told local media.

“We are using all available means, including helicopters, to reach stranded residents and assess the damage.”

Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state prone to natural disasters, has been experiencing intense monsoon rains over the past several weeks. Experts warn that the risk of further landslides and flooding remains high.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that all necessary assistance is being provided.

“The central and state governments are working in close coordination to ensure timely rescue and relief operations,” he said in a statement.

Authorities have urged residents in nearby areas to remain on high alert and relocate to safer locations as weather forecasts predict more rain in the coming days.