This is the terrifying moment floods wiped out a village, leaving dozens of residents feared dead in India.

Dramatic footage captured raging floodwaters triggered by a cloudburst rainstorm surging downhill as they swept away rocks and branches down a mountain in Dharali in Uttarakhand.

Heavy debris and sludge surged through the neighbourhood, creating havoc and leaving many feared trapped under the rubble.

Dozens of wooden homes were flattened by the torrents along with up to 25 hotels.

Officials said at least 50 villagers were missing, with many feared dead following the disaster on Tuesday morning. At least four were confirmed dead on Tuesday afternoon.

District Magistrate Prashant Arya said rescue teams were scouring the rubble to search for survivors and recover bodies.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have vowed to give full support, coordination, and aid to affected families.

A government spokesman said: 'Rising water levels in the Khir Ganga river have reportedly caused damage in the Dharali market area. Army units from Harsil, along with police and SDRF teams, have been dispatched to Bhatwari.'

The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall and flash flood risks until August 10, raising concerns over further landslides in the Himalayan region.

Authorities are urging all residents and visitors to stay away from rivers, unstable slopes, and damaged infrastructure.

Uttarakhand, which is found in the Himalayas, is prone to flash floods and landslides. Some environmental experts blame them on the theory of climate change.

In 2023, at least 30 people died after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides in the area.