Uttarakhand Cloudburst: ITBP Rescues Over 100 – What Lies Ahead?

New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) Following a catastrophic cloudburst in the Harshil region of Uttarkashi town in Uttarakhand, which led to flash floods and extensive damage, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has taken the lead in rescue and relief efforts. Barinderjit Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Operations, ITBP, shared insights with IANS regarding the current operations, the hurdles faced, and the realities on the ground amid challenging weather conditions.

Interview insights:

IANS: How many teams are engaged in the rescue mission?

Barinderjit Singh: We have deployed five ITBP teams for the rescue operations. Three teams are positioned at the front lines, actively engaged at the disaster site with around 130 personnel involved. Some teams are working from the Harshil side, while others approach from Gangotri. Half of our personnel arrived during the night, while the rest joined in the morning. We successfully rescued 110 individuals last night, including locals and tourists. Some were transported to Gangotri Dham, while the injured received first aid at our nearest border outpost. This morning, we initiated a full-scale rescue operation, with air rescues now underway, and helicopters have begun landing at Harshil. Five injured individuals have been evacuated and admitted to our ITBP hospital at the air rescue center.

IANS: What is the current casualty count?

Barinderjit Singh: Based on information from local authorities and residents, approximately 10 individuals are feared affected. Four deaths have been confirmed, and seven individuals remain missing. One body was recovered during the morning’s operations, but the final and confirmed figures will be reported by civil administration.

IANS: What challenges have arisen during the rescue operations?

Barinderjit Singh: The primary challenge is the weather, as it remains very cloudy and continues to rain in the affected areas. Nonetheless, all agencies, including the Army, Police, and SDRF, are collaborating. Temporary bridges are being constructed to improve access, and BRO machinery is clearing debris in some border areas. If the weather improves, it will greatly enhance our rescue efforts.

IANS: Is there still a chance of locating more survivors?

Barinderjit Singh: Our teams are continually working on the ground. Rescue efforts remain active in the hills, where many people are stranded. We are also searching for homes that are submerged or partially submerged. A clearer overview will emerge following Wednesday's operations.

IANS: What safety measures have been implemented for ITBP personnel?

Barinderjit Singh: We have established forward posts at two crucial locations near the disaster site, ensuring medical supplies, food, and oxygen cylinders are available for all.

IANS: What do weather forecasts indicate for the upcoming days?

Barinderjit Singh: Adverse weather conditions could hinder our air rescue efforts. Fortunately, we have an operational helipad at Harshil maintained by the Indian Army, which is proving invaluable. The success of our rescue mission will heavily depend on weather conditions.

IANS: What is the current status along the India-China border in Uttarakhand?

Barinderjit Singh: No incidents or alerts have been reported from the border areas.

IANS: Given your extensive experience in Uttarakhand, why do such incidents frequently occur here?

Barinderjit Singh: Weather forecasting is conducted to the best of our ability; however, predicting the exact timing and location of events like cloudbursts is challenging. Our forces remain vigilant and ready to respond swiftly.

IANS: Was any advance warning given before the cloudburst?

Barinderjit Singh: Although there was ongoing rainfall, a cloudburst of this scale is nearly impossible to forecast. Such occurrences happen suddenly and with minimal warning.