Torrential downpours and an unexpected cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district have caused significant destruction, nearly obliterating half of Dharali village, halting the Kedarnath Yatra, and compelling schools in several districts of Uttarakhand to close on Wednesday, August 6.

In the midst of the devastation, the ancient Kalp Kedar temple, constructed in the traditional Kature style and architecturally similar to Kedarnath Dham, has once again gained attention as it was buried under the debris carried by the flash flood from the Kheer Ganga river.

This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, had previously been concealed for years beneath the debris deposited by the Kheer Ganga river floods, with only its peak visible. Excavations in 1945 uncovered its complete structure, which lies below ground level, where devotees would descend to offer their prayers.

Local residents remember that water from the Kheer Ganga frequently flowed over the shivling in the sanctum sanctorum, which is uniquely shaped like the back of Nandi, similar to Kedarnath. The temple also features elaborate stone carvings adorning its exterior.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dharali village, an important stop on the Gangotri route, was struck by a flash flood following the cloudburst. Four fatalities have been confirmed, and at least 60 individuals are still unaccounted for — including 11 soldiers, as reported by defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Shrivastava. Nearly 130 villagers have been evacuated to safety, although no bodies have been recovered thus far.

Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 Raj Rif, is spearheading relief efforts with a team of 150 soldiers, even as his unit continues to search for its own missing members. “Despite the loss of its soldiers and damage to its base, the team is operating with unwavering courage and determination,” Shrivastava stated.

The Indian Army has already deployed MI-17 and Chinook helicopters, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) has put assets on standby from Chandigarh, Sarsawa, and Bareilly. These include two Chinooks, two Mi-17V5s, two Cheetahs, and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

However, poor visibility and persistent downpours hindered aerial operations on Tuesday.

“Helicopters were prepared to take off today, but due to the poor visibility and heavy rainfall, it was deemed unsafe to proceed,” an IAF official informed IANS. Once the weather conditions improve, the IAF is anticipated to carry out aerial rescue and supply missions in the Harshil sector.

In the meantime, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand, cautioning of heavy rainfall across multiple districts, including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Nainital. Authorities have mandated that all schools and Anganwadi centres for students from Class 1 to 12 remain closed in districts such as Dehradun, Chamoli, Tehri, and Almora.

The pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham has also been halted until further notice after landslides obstructed the Sonprayag-Gaurikund route and falling debris rendered the trekking path unsafe. “For the safety of the general public and devotees, the Kedarnath Dham Yatra has been postponed until further orders,” confirmed SP Rudraprayag Akshay Prahlad Konde, urging individuals to avoid rising riverbanks.

With ongoing rainfall, washed-out roads, and communication failures in various regions of the state, rescue agencies — including the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and local police — are racing against time to save lives. The Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers are both swollen, increasing the risk of further disaster.