06 August 2025: The Hindu Editorial

1. Flash floods in Uttarkashi leave four dead; over 60 feared trapped

Source -Page 1, The Hindu Delhi Edition

Topic: GS1 – Geography, GS3 – Disaster Management

Context

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Dharali, Uttarkashi, caused massive destruction, with multiple casualties and over 60 people missing.

Content:

Key Facts:

• Location: Dharali village near Harsil, ~8,600 ft altitude.

• Trigger: Torrential rainfall led to overflow of Kheer Ganga river.

• Impact: 25 structures swept away, casualties reported, 60+ feared trapped.

• Response: Army and ITBP launched rescue within 3 hours. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted aerial survey.

UPSC-Relevant Issues:

Why Himalayas are disaster-prone:

• • Steep gradients → fast runoff

  • Weak geology, deforestation, urbanisation

Climate Change Link:

• • Higher frequency of cloudbursts & intense rain events

Governance & Response:

• • Importance of real-time alerts, resilient infrastructure, zoning laws

  • Need for coordination between Centre, State, NDRF, IMD

Way Forward:

• Expand early warning systems in high-altitude regions

• Implement sustainable development guidelines in Himalayan towns

• Invest in ecological restoration and slope stability techniques

Practice Question: “Discuss the causes and consequences of increasing flash flood events in the Indian Himalayan region. Suggest long-term mitigation strategies.”

Read more about -5 August 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis