Dehradun, Aug 7: As rescue efforts entered the third day in flood-ravaged Uttarkashi, the Indian Army reported on Thursday that 70 civilians have been rescued, while more than 50 people, including nine Army personnel, remain missing.
The flash floods, triggered on Tuesday in the ecologically fragile Dharali region, have claimed at least four lives so far. Two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, but officials haven’t confirmed if they are among the previously reported fatalities.
The Indian Army, along with SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, and local authorities, has intensified Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. So far, 65 stranded individuals have been airlifted to Matli, while advanced rescue equipment is being flown into Dharali, one of the worst-hit villages. Nine Army personnel and three civilians have been evacuated to Dehradun for medical treatment; three critically injured are being treated at AIIMS Rishikesh.
Road connectivity remains severely disrupted due to landslides and road breaches in Bartwari, Linchigad, Harsil, Gangnani, and Dharali. Despite this, 225+ Army troops, engineers, medical teams, rescue dogs, and Reeco Radar units are engaged in ground operations.
Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters are on standby at Jollygrant airport, awaiting clear weather for civilian evacuations. Five civil helicopters are already operating rescue sorties between Matli, Bhatwari, and Harsil.
Nearly 200 stranded tourists in Gangotri are receiving food, shelter, and medical care. An aviation base is being set up at Matli helipad to support continued air operations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is on-site, overseeing rescue efforts and interacting with rescued pilgrims. Officials warn more people could be trapped under debris or stranded due to roadblocks, including labourers working in the area’s hospitality sector. Rescue teams are also preparing to use sniffer dogs and ground-penetrating radars in the search. (Agencies)
