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The devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district claimed four lives, while many others, including 11 Army personnel were missing. Rescue operations are underway.
Uttarkashi: Houses being swept away in a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst at Dharali, in Uttarkashi district (Photos: PTI)
A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district caused flash floods on Tuesday, thus wreaking havoc in high-altitude villages of Dharali.
The disaster claimed the lives of four people, while at least 130 people were rescued as authorities swung into action despite unfavourable weather conditions and incessant rain in the region.
The incident occurred around 1.45 pm, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil.
Two cloudbursts, one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area, caused widespread destruction, with Dharali bearing the brunt. Reportedly, the region also suffered from mudslides.
Terrifying videos of the disaster showed waters from the flash floods gushing down a river, barreling hotels, homes, shops, trees, carsand more.
Before-and-after images of the Uttarakhand disaster showed that the region, which earlier housed buildings, trees, and forests, was wiped out.
ARMY PERSONNEL MISSING
At least 11 personnel of the Indian Army have been missing since the cloudburst and flash floods in the Dharali region.
Commenting on the same, the Defence PRO said that rescue operations were being carried out for all those missing, and that additional columns were being moved to be pressed into rescue operations.
“Despite being cut off and the unit’s base being adversely affected, and 11 personnel feared missing, the team continues to operate with unwavering determination. In the meantime, additional columns are being moved to be pressed into rescue operations,” read a statement from the Defence PRO.
RESCUE OPERATIONS ONGOING
Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, led by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Indian Air Force Chinook, Mi-17 V5, ALH, and Cheetah helicopters are on active standby at Chandigarh Air Base, ready to deploy with equipment and relief material as soon as weather conditions improve.
“The choppers are ready with the required equipment and material and would take off as soon as the weather clears up in the affected areas,” officials told news agency ANI.
Three additional IAS and police officers have also been deployed to strengthen relief coordination. Essential services such as electricity, roads, and internet services remain disrupted across the affected areas.
The Indian Army’s Surya Command said that troops from the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and are on-site, assessing the damage and conducting rescue operations.
Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 Rajput Rifles, is leading 150 personnel in critical rescue efforts despite challenges, including missing soldiers and damage to the unit’s own base.
CHIEF MINISTER DHAMI MONITORING SITUATION
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who returned from Andhra Pradesh in the wake of the disaster, headed straight to the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun, where he has been coordinating relief and rescue efforts along with senior officials of the administration, police and others.
He said restoring electricity was a top priority and was being taken up on a war footing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep condolences to those impacted by the landslide and cloudburst in Dharali.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and obtained information about the situation.”
“Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,” he added.
RAIN CONTINUES IN UTTARAKHAND
Even as heavy rainfall continues in parts of Uttarakhand, the weather department has issued warnings of more downpour across the state, especially in the hill districts.
In view of the worsening weather and rescue challenges, the Uttarkashi district administration ordered the closure of all government and private schools, including aanganwadison Wednesday.
Heavy rainfall also caused severe waterlogging in various parts of Haridwar on Tuesday. Due to the rising water level of the Ganga River, police appeal to people to stay away from the ghats and exercise caution.
Loudspeaker announcements were being made across vulnerable villages, advising people to evacuate and avoid riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.
Meanwhile, Northern Railways said that a boulder came on the track between the Haridwar-Motichur section on the Haridwar-Dehradun route, and traffic will be restored as early as possible.
ALSO READ | Rockfall Damages Canopy On Haridwar-Dehradun Train Track, Services Suspended
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
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