What Happened in Uttarakhand? Army Launches Rescue After Cloudburst

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian Army initiated rescue operations swiftly after the cloudburst.
- Flash floods and landslides caused extensive damage in Dharali.
- Authorities have urged locals to maintain distance from riverbanks.
- Ongoing efforts are focused on locating any remaining stranded civilians.
- Government officials are closely monitoring the situation.
New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) A catastrophic cloudburst hit the Dharali region close to Harsil in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in flash floods and landslides that wreaked havoc across the area.
In response to this disaster, the Indian Army initiated a swift and extensive rescue operation aimed at aiding the impacted residents.
The landslide occurred around 1:45 PM near Dharali village, merely 4 km away from the Indian Army camp at Harshil. Within just ten minutes of the event, the Army deployed 150 personnel to the affected site.
Rescue crews promptly began evacuating stranded villagers and delivering essential support on the ground. To date, between 15 and 20 individuals have been successfully rescued and evacuated.
The injured people were quickly transported to the Army’s medical facility in Harshil for urgent care.
Army officials affirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with all available resources being utilized to locate and assist any remaining trapped civilians.
In a statement, the Indian Army declared, “The situation is under continuous surveillance, and the Indian Army is fully committed to offering all possible aid to the affected population.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to social media platform X to express his concern and share updates. "I spoke with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister regarding the flash flood in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Three nearby ITBP teams have been dispatched, and four NDRF teams are also en route to commence rescue operations."
Uttarakhand Police issued a public advisory indicating that rising water levels in Kheer Gadh in Dharali, Uttarkashi, have led to reports of damage in the Dharali market area.
"Police, Fire department, SDRF, and Army, along with other disaster relief and rescue teams, are actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts at the scene," the police stated.
Authorities have urged locals to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami termed the situation “extremely sad and distressing” and reassured that relief operations are underway at a rapid pace.
"The news of significant damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is profoundly saddening. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are involved in relief and rescue operations at an accelerated pace," CM Dhami mentioned in a post on X.
"I am in constant communication with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray for everyone’s safety," he added.
While official confirmation regarding casualties is still awaited, the search for the missing continues.