Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: In response to a devastating cloudburst near Dharali, close to Harsil in Uttarkashi district, the Indian Army has launched a major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation. The region remains isolated after multiple road breaches and the collapse of a key bridge disrupted connectivity from both north and south.
Over 225 Army personnel, including infantry units and engineering teams, have been deployed for intensive search, rescue, and relief efforts. Combat engineers are on the ground, working to clear debris and restore access to cut-off areas.
As of 3 PM, seven Army teams equipped with Recco radar systems are conducting operations near Tekla, while search and rescue dogs are actively engaged in Harsil. Additional canine units are being brought in from Remount and Veterinary Centres.
The military helipad at Harsil is operational, facilitating the evacuation of casualties and delivery of relief supplies. Three civilian helicopters, launched from Sahastradhara in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have successfully landed in Bhatwari and Harsil.
Helicopters including Chinook, Mi-17, and ALH remain on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa, awaiting clearance for further airlift of troops and materials.
According to the Civil Administration, at least three people have been confirmed dead, and over 50 are missing. The Army has reported that nine personnel, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and eight jawans, are also unaccounted for.
The region has suffered significant infrastructural damage, with critical road sections near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani washed away, severely hampering rescue operations. The civil helipad at Dharali remains non-functional due to a mudslide.
Despite the harsh terrain and challenging weather conditions, the Indian Army continues to coordinate closely with the local administration to provide assistance.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that around 190 people have been rescued so far from the affected Dharali region. He assured that both the Central and State governments are fully committed to helping the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also pledged full support and assistance for relief operations.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the scale of the disaster, stating that the entire Dharali area has been severely impacted by the flash floods and landslides triggered by the cloudburst.
