About 100 people missing as flash flood tears through town in northern India
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Flash Flood Kills 4, Leaves 100 Missing in India's Himalayas
Above: A view of the landslide after flash floods struck the Dharali village in Uttarakhand, India, on Aug. 5, 2025. Image copyright: Uttarakhand Police/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
This disaster highlights the urgent need for better early warning systems and infrastructure improvements in vulnerable Himalayan regions. The cloudburst phenomenon is becoming more frequent due to climate change, making these mountain communities vulnerable to future catastrophes. Without proper disaster preparedness and evacuation protocols, more lives will be lost to these increasingly unpredictable weather events.
Pro-government narrative
The swift response from Indian Army personnel and rescue teams demonstrates the country's improved disaster management capabilities compared to previous incidents. Over 130 people have already been rescued, showing that a coordinated emergency response can save lives, even in remote, mountainous terrain. The deployment of multiple agencies, including the NDRF and ITBP, demonstrates that India is better equipped to handle such natural disasters.
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Editor's Note
This story currently has limited reporting from right sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.