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Key Points

Uttarkashi has declared a holiday for all schools and Anganwadi centers due to heavy rainfall and flood risks. The Indian Army is conducting large-scale rescue operations as landslides and flash floods have cut off multiple areas. Over 50 people are missing, and key infrastructure has been severely damaged. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed rescue efforts with PM Modi's assurance of full support.

Key Points: Uttarkashi Schools and Anganwadis Closed Due to Heavy Rains and Flooding

  • IMD predicts heavy rains with a red alert in Uttarkashi
  • Army deploys 225 personnel for rescue operations
  • Three confirmed fatalities and 50 missing reported
  • Key roads washed away, disrupting connectivity
3 min read

Schools, anganwadi centers to remain closed in Uttarkashi on Aug 7

Uttarkashi administration declares holiday for schools and Anganwadis amid IMD's red alert for heavy rains, landslides, and ongoing rescue operations.

"Due to rain in the district, the water level of rivers and streams is rising... holiday is declared on 07 August, 2025 – Uttarkashi Administration"

Uttarkashi, August 6

In view of heavy rains, all government, non-government, and private schools from classes 1 to 12, along with all Anganwadi centres, will remain closed in the Uttarkashi district on Thursday.

Uttarkashi administration, which issued the order, said that there is a prediction of more rain on August 7.

"According to the weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department, Dehradun on August 6, 2025, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall and extremely heavy rainfall (red alert) at some places in the district on August 6 and lightning/heavy spell of rain with thunder at some places on August 7," the order said.

"Due to rain in the district, the water level of rivers and streams is rising and footpaths and roads are affected, along with cloudburst, landslides in some areas and from the point of view of mitigation and management of possible disasters, it is necessary to take necessary measures for the safety of school students. Therefore, keeping the above in mind, using the powers conferred by Section 22 (H) of the Disaster Management Act-2005, holiday is declared on 07 August, 2025 (Thursday) in all government, non-government, private schools (classes 1 to 12) and Anganwadi centers operating in the district. Ensure immediate compliance of the said order," it added.

A devastating cloudburst Uttarkashi district has triggered massive flash floods and landslides, causing widespread destruction in Dharali, Sukhi Top and Harsil areas.

The Indian Army has launched a swift and coordinated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in the wake of a devastating cloudburst near Dharali, close to Harsil in Uttarakhand. The region is currently cut off from both north and south due to multiple road breaches and a collapsed bridge.

According to a statement from the Indian Army, over 225 Army personnel including infantry and engineering teams are on ground for search, rescue, and relief tasks. Combat engineers have reached Dharali to aid in clearing debris and restoring mobility.

As of 3 pm, 7 teams of the Indian Army are operating with Reeco Radar near Tekla while search and rescue dogs are deployed at Harsil; more are en route from Remount and Veterinary Centres.

As per the Indian Army, military helipad at Harsil is operational. Three civil helicopters launched from Sahastradhara in coordination with SDRF have successfully landed at Bhatwari and Harsil for casualty evacuation and relief material delivery.

Chinook, Mi-17, ALH helicopters are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa for troop and material airlift - awaiting tasking clearance.

As of 3 pm, there are three confirmed fatalities while over 50 persons are reportedly missing (as per the Civil Administration).

According to the statement, a total of 9 personnel are also missing, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and 8 jawans.

In a significant infrastructural damages, key road stretches near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani have been washed away, severely affecting movement.

Civil helipad at Dharali remains non-functional due to a mudslide.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that around 190 people have been rescued from the Dharali area, following a devastating cloudburst that triggered massive flash floods and landslides in the area.

Chief Minister Dhami reaffirmed that both the Centre and the state government are fully committed to making arrangements for the victims of the incident, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also assured to provide all possible help. He stated that the disaster has hit the entire Dharali.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why does this keep happening in Uttarakhand every year? We need better infrastructure and early warning systems. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones 🙏
A
Aditya G
Salute to our brave army personnel risking their lives in rescue operations! The government should also focus on long-term solutions like afforestation to prevent such disasters.
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Sarah B
As someone who visited Uttarkashi last year, this news is devastating. The locals were so warm and welcoming. Hope the tourism department steps up to help rebuild the affected areas.
K
Kavya N
The administration acted promptly this time. Remember how delayed responses cost lives in previous disasters? Learning from past mistakes is crucial. #UttarkashiStrong
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Vikram M
While the school closure is necessary, I hope the government makes arrangements for mid-day meals for underprivileged kids who depend on Anganwadi centers for nutrition.
M
Michael C
The climate change impact is visible here. India needs to push harder for global climate action while strengthening our own disaster management capabilities.

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