Uttarkashi flash floods: Shocking video shows houses washed away, people screaming | WATCH

A massive flash flood in the Khir Ganga river flowing through the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand wrought havoc on Tuesday. The flood was said to be caused by a cloudburst.

Videos circulating on social media show the floodwater—carrying silt and debris—flowing down slopes and causing destruction in the Dharali village area. The horrific screams of the locals can also be heard in the video.

Many villagers have been trapped. A local, Rajesh Panwar, told PTI that as many as 10-12 workers have been feared dead after being buried alive under debris, and that 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed sorrow for the suffering and destruction caused by the "extremely sad and distressing" flash floods.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescue teams have been rushed to the spot. The Uttarakhand government has also roped in the Indian Army to aid the rescue operation "on a war footing".

"In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety," he added.

"In Uttarkashi, due to the rising water level of Kheer Gadh in the Harsil area, reports of damage in Dharali have prompted police, SDRF, army, and other disaster response teams to engage in relief and rescue operations at the site," the Uttarkashi police said, as per an ANI.

The Dharali market has suffered heavy damage due to the flood, which has also reportedly swallowed the ancient Kalpa Kedar temple situated on the banks of the Khir Ganga, as per a Jagran report.