The flash flood in Dharali, Uttarakhand on August 5 resulted from a possible rock and ice avalanche at a cirque glacier, exacerbated by continuous rainfall and high snow mass from previous months. Experts dispute claims of a cloudburst, indicating inadequate rainfall data for such an event. The Kheer Gad stream has a history of flooding, and the area is inherently unstable due to past sediment deposits, raising concerns about continued construction in hazardous zones. This disaster underscores the need for better urban planning and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions like Uttarakhand to mitigate future risks.