Uttarkashi Cloudburst Update: Relief and rescue operations continue in Dharali, 70 people including 11 soldiers still missing

Uttarkashi Cloudburst Update: The hunt for lives is ongoing after the destruction in Dharali, Uttarakhand. The rescue effort is being carried out by seven teams on a war footing. On the site, around 225 army soldiers are positioned on each front. As of right now, the disaster has claimed five lives and left 70 people—including 11 soldiers—missing. 190 individuals have been rescued so far. The only means of rescue was via aircraft since the route was closed. Helicopters were transporting the wounded to the hospital. The route to Dharali has opened, nevertheless, as a result of the roadway that washed away in Bhatwari opening. The first crack in Bhatwari has been successfully repaired.

The second day of relief and rescue efforts is today

The road has opened, making it feasible to go to Dharali and Harshil, and today marks the second day of relief and rescue efforts in these areas. Let us inform you that at Bhatwari, the roadway washed away. The BRO and GREF crews were still having trouble getting the route open. There were plans to cut the mountain twice in order to open the road, but the lack of resources caused this construction to be postponed. It’s still clear outside. There is now optimism that the rescue effort will go more quickly.

All accountability for air services

Let us inform you that full responsibility remained with the air services since the reconstruction of the bridge that washed away in Gangwani could not begin until this route was available. Small helicopters were used to transport relief and rescue personnel. The air carried the rescued passengers down gradually. Although there were more relief and rescue personnel in Dharali and Harshil, the rescue effort was unable to advance because of a lack of resources. Electricity and communication, however, continue to be major obstacles.

“The flood engulfed the entire area in a matter of seconds.”

The whole home is buried in the flood debris, demonstrating the state of the Dharali neighborhood, where the biggest destruction has taken place. The home is completely covered with debris. Many of the homes in this neighborhood were severely damaged or collapsed due to the intensity of the flood. In Dharali, the sight after the cloudburst was utterly horrifying. In a matter of seconds, the whole area was flooded, according to a priest at the nearby temple. According to the residents of Dharali, they had never seen such destruction in their lives. They claim that water quickly flooded hundreds of homes and businesses. Another Dharali resident described the destruction as “debris just came around.” There were perhaps two hundred persons in the town when this catastrophe occurred. Rescue efforts are already underway on a war footing after the destruction caused by the cloudburst in Dharali.

Helicopters are used to distribute relief supplies

Nature quickly demolished everything that had been there only hours before, including marketplaces, businesses, and hotel structures. Since the roads going here have been entirely destroyed, crews are now working on rescue efforts there, with aircraft providing the sole assistance. The Indian Army has seven teams on the front line all the time. Over 225 troops have been sent in to provide aid and rescue. The good news is that Harshil’s military helipad is now fully functional. Three civil helicopters are being used to carry relief supplies. Since helicopters have begun landing in Bhatwadi and Harshil, rescue efforts have accelerated. ALH, Mi-17, and Chinook helicopters are available.

Three rescue locations were affected by landslides and rain.

Let us inform you that three locations in the Uttarkashi district experienced terrible floods. Sukhi Top, Harshil, and Dharali. Rescue efforts are now underway at these three locations. Rescue efforts are hampered by the constant rain and landslides. The 11 Indian Army men who went missing in the flood are still unaccounted for. There are also reports that a party of 28 Keralan tourists had gone missing following the Dharali tragedy. Rescue efforts, however, are proceeding on a war footing since the disaster. Rescue crews are putting in a lot of effort to aid the casualties and look for survivors.