7 Aug 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau) A massive rescue operation continues in Uttarkashi’s disaster-hit Dharali and Harsil regions following devastating flash floods triggered by a cloudburst. The Indian Army, assisted by NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, civil agencies, and the Air Force, is working relentlessly amid formidable terrain and weather challenges.
- Rescued: 70 civilians have been airlifted to safety so far .
- Missing: Over 50 individuals remain unaccounted for, including civilians and a unit of nine Army personnel—a Junior Commissioned Officer and eight jawans.
Casualties and Affected Areas
- At least four to five deaths have been confirmed. Recovery teams retrieved additional bodies, raising the toll to five as operations progressed .
- The region’s connectivity remains severely disrupted due to washed-out roads, collapsed bridges, and landslides. Access to Dharali remains extremely challenging
Rescue Efforts Underway
- Over 225 Army personnel, including medical teams, engineers, and canine units, are actively involved in operations .
- Helicopter support, including civil, Chinook, and Mi‑17 aircraft, is being utilized for evacuations and relief delivery. Air bases stand ready to deploy further resources as weather conditions improve .
- Ground teams are employing Reeco radar units, drones, and sniffer dogs to locate survivors buried under mounds of debris
State Response
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is on the ground coordinating rescue and relief efforts, visiting affected areas and helipads supporting the operation
- Relief camps have been set up, and displaced civilians—pilgrims and locals alike—are receiving emergency aid, shelter, and medical care