Northern India rescue ops hampered by rain, landslides

Heavy rain hampered rescue efforts in India's Himalayan state of Uttarakhand on Wednesday, a day after sudden flooding and landslides killed four people and left dozens missing.

Teams of army and disaster force rescuers struggled to reach Dharali village, a popular tourist spot that serves as a pit-stop before climbing to the Hindu pilgrimage town of Gangotri, as landslides blocked a major highway and heavy rain continued to pelt the region, local media and authorities said.

"The number of missing persons is unknown; however, the relief efforts have continued through the night.

We are trying to rescue people and take them to safety," Harshavardhan, an army colonel leading rescue efforts, said in an X post shared by the Indian army.

The army camp in Harsil, four km (2.5 miles) from the flooded village of Dharali, was also hit by flash floods and eleven army personnel were missing, NDTV news channel said.

Houses are partially buried by a mudslide, amid flash floods, in Dharali, Uttarakhand, India, August 5, 2025. Photo: Reuters

"Additional army columns, along with tracker dogs, drones, logistic drones, earthmoving equipment, etc have been moved ahead to supplement the resources at Harsil to hasten the efforts," the army's central command said in a post on X.

TV news channels showed floodwaters and mud surging down a mountain and crashing into the village, sweeping away houses and roads as people ran for their lives.

The mudslide cleaved through Dharali village, burying some houses, according to a video update shared by the state chief minister's office.

Uttarakhand is prone to floods and landslides, which some experts blame on climate change.

Over the years

Previously, India has gone through several devastating rain-related disasters, particularly in its Himalayan regions.

In June 2013, flash floods and landslides triggered by early monsoon rains killed 580 people and left nearly 6,000 missing in northern India.

Separately, a flash flood in Uttarakhand, likely caused by a glacier avalanche, swept away two hydroelectric projects and claimed over 200 lives in February 2021.

India receives most of its annual rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon, which occurs from June to September.

While this seasonal rain is vital for agriculture and the livelihoods of millions, it also brings intense downpours that often overwhelm the region’s infrastructure, leading to widespread flooding and damage.