In the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst and landslide in the Dharali and Harsil regions of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, large-scale rescue and relief operations entered their third day today.
A total of 518 personnel from the Army, Police, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and the civil administration are actively engaged in rescue efforts, while 814 additional personnel are on standby for relief support. According to our correspondent, clear weather conditions today have significantly accelerated relief and rescue efforts.
“Favorable weather conditions since this morning have enabled a significant boost in rescue operations using helicopters. According to NDRF Commander Gambhir Singh Chauhan, damaged roads had initially prevented rescue teams from reaching the affected areas, but yesterday, 35 personnel were airlifted to Dharali. Now, both the movement of rescuers and the evacuation of stranded individuals by air has become possible. Helicopters are transporting people from Dharali to the Matli helipad.
Chinook, MI-17, ALH, and Cheetah helicopters have been deployed for the rescue mission. Six helicopters from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority- UCADA are also operating at the site. Approximately 400 people stranded in the Gangotri region are being brought to Harsil, from where they will be airlifted to safer locations.
Over 50 individuals are reported missing in the disaster. Among them are one JCO and eight soldiers from the Indian Army. During the rescue, nine military personnel and three civilians were airlifted to Dehradun, while three critically injured civilians were referred to AIIMS Rishikesh. Eight others are receiving treatment at the district hospital in Uttarkashi.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived at the Matli helipad this morning and interacted with those rescued from Dharali. He also held a review meeting with officials from the NDRF, SDRF, and the district administration to assess the progress of ongoing relief efforts.
Relief supplies continue to be sent to the affected areas. Today, 2,000 food packets were dispatched to Harsil. The District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and other senior officials are present on the ground to monitor and coordinate the relief operations.