Indian helicopters have rescued hundreds of people stranded after a flash flood hit Dharali village, a key stop on the Gangotri pilgrimage route in northern India. The flood, triggered by a cloudburst on August 5, has killed at least four people, with many still missing.

Homes, hotels, and roads were buried under debris, cutting off access and disrupting power and communication lines.

More than 200 to 400 people have been airlifted so far, with over 225 army personnel supporting the operation. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the destruction “massive” and said rescues may finish today if weather allows.

The region remains vulnerable to further landslides, and experts warn climate change is increasing the frequency of such disasters.