Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Hits Bhagirathi Valley
The Uttarakhand Glacier Burst 2025 shocked residents near Gangotri after a portion of the Raktvan glacier broke off. A sudden surge of icy water entered the Bhagirathi River and flooded the valley. Five villages near Harsil and Dharali suffered heavy damage. The glacial lake had swollen due to a heatwave in early July.
Floodwaters Sweep Away Infrastructure
Massive water flow washed away suspension bridges and footpaths near the glacier. Stones and sludge filled agricultural fields in Purali Gaon. Primary schools in Mukhba and Bagori shut down immediately. Power lines collapsed, cutting electricity to over 2,000 residents. Panic spread as rumors of another burst circulated.
Army and SDRF Respond Quickly
Military Takes Over Rescue Operations
The Indian Army deployed soldiers from the 9th Battalion in Harsil within three hours. Jawans rescued stranded villagers using rope ladders and inflatable boats. The SDRF team from Uttarkashi reached Mukhba and launched drone surveys. Medical teams treated injured villagers at makeshift camps near Gangnani.
Air Force Evacuates Tourists
Indian Air Force helicopters evacuated 117 tourists from Gangotri Dham and Bhojbasa. Most visitors had reached the upper base camp before the flood. Authorities suspended the Gangotri Yatra temporarily. Officials confirmed the safety of priests and temple staff.
Scientists Confirm Glacier Break
Experts from Wadia Institute Inspect Site
Scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology visited the glacier zone. They used satellite images and LiDAR data to confirm a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). The team spotted a breach in the moraine dam that held the glacial water. The flow speed touched 12 meters per second at its peak.
Melting Due to Rising Temperature
Experts blamed the glacier burst on prolonged exposure to heat. Temperatures remained above 20°C in the Gangotri region for over a week. Lack of rainfall also worsened ice cracks. As a result, internal pressure built up and burst the ice dam early morning on July 21.
Villagers Lose Livelihoods and Property
Fields and Homes Destroyed
Over 180 houses reported flood damage. Water entered granaries and destroyed winter rations. Apple orchards in Harsil Valley lost nearly 30% of the fruit crop. Villagers demanded immediate compensation and relocation options. Many shifted to relatives’ homes in Uttarkashi.
Loss of Livestock
Flood currents swept away goats and cows tied near the river. Farmers counted losses in lakhs. Veterinary teams from Uttarakhand Animal Husbandry Department reached the affected areas. Officials distributed fodder and medicine to the remaining livestock.
Alert Issued for Other Glacier Zones
Monitoring Initiated in Kedarnath, Pindari Regions
The state government ordered real-time monitoring of glacial lakes in other danger zones. Teams started inspecting moraines near Kedarnath, Pindari, and Nanda Devi base camp. SDRF prepared to deploy additional units in Bageshwar and Chamoli.
Satellite Surveillance for Risk Zones
ISRO and NRSC deployed Cartosat-3 imagery to monitor lake swelling patterns. Officials activated the Remote Sensing Control Room in Dehradun. Warning signals will trigger when water levels breach safe thresholds.
Environmentalists Raise Alarm
Experts Warn of Climate-Driven Disasters
Glaciologists highlighted the increased frequency of glacier bursts across the Himalayas. They urged the state to prepare glacier hazard maps. Environmentalists also blamed hydropower projects near Gangotri for weakening slope stability. Construction activity had disturbed the glacier’s natural path.
Call for Construction Ban Near Glaciers
Activists demanded an immediate ban on construction near glaciers and high-risk moraines. Experts criticized roads built without slope analysis. They also asked for a new disaster protocol focused on high-altitude climate risks.
Compensation and Relief Measures
State Announces ₹10 Crore Relief Fund
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the affected villages and announced a ₹10 crore emergency relief package. The government released ₹2 lakh for each damaged household. Engineers from PWD started rebuilding broken roads. Electricity poles arrived via mules in inaccessible areas.
Central Government Sends Expert Teams
The Ministry of Earth Sciences dispatched a glacier hazard team to Uttarakhand. They began evaluating 56 glacial lakes across the state. The team will submit a disaster preparedness report by August 5. The Prime Minister’s Office also reviewed the situation via video conference.
Long-Term Glacier Monitoring Plans
Early-Warning Systems Installation Begins
The government plans to install real-time sensors at 12 high-altitude glaciers. Each sensor will send hourly data on water pressure, ice shifts, and moraine cracks. Uttarakhand Space Application Centre will operate the control system. Warning messages will reach district officials and local police directly.
Digital Awareness for Hill Villages
Officials launched mobile apps to alert villagers about potential glacier risks. Local schools will conduct monthly drills on evacuation. SDRF began distributing booklets and posters on glacier safety. New training centers will prepare village volunteers for basic rescue tasks.
READ MORE : Avalanche in Uttarakhand: Rescue Operations Continue Amidst Adverse Conditions