Uttarakhand is currently experiencing a severe natural disaster. The cloudburst in Dharali, Harshil, on Wednesday has caused widespread destruction, affecting everyone deeply. Five people have tragically died in the disaster. Moreover, between 60 and 70 individuals are still missing. The army, NDRF, SDRF, and the district administration are working tirelessly to move the affected individuals to safer locations. So far, 130 people have been rescued, but approximately 100 remain stranded. A new video has emerged showing the devastation in Harshil, capturing the destruction of homes, hotels, trees, and everything else in a matter of seconds.
Soldiers went missing after the cloudburst near the Harshil camp. The army confirmed that two soldiers have been found safe. However, nine are still missing, and the search continues. Dharali is located approximately 20 kilometers before Gangotri Dham and is a crucial stopover point. Debris and mud continue to flow. The Bhagirathi River and the debris are almost indistinguishable, creating challenging conditions. The ground has become a muddy quagmire.
Authorities have issued weather warnings. The Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority has issued a red alert to the district magistrates of Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar based on the weather department’s forecasts. These districts have been instructed to prepare for potential disasters. District magistrates in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh have been placed under an orange alert, advising them to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. The increased rainfall in sensitive areas is heightening the risk of floods and landslides. Schools in Uttarkashi have been closed. The rain is expected to hinder rescue and relief work.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, upon returning from Andhra Pradesh, immediately went to the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun. He is coordinating the rescue and relief efforts with senior officials from the administration, police, and other departments. He stated that restoring power is a top priority and that rescue operations are ongoing. The state government has approved 20 crore rupees to aid in the efficient execution of rescue and relief operations.
The Uttarakhand government has released a statement indicating that rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, led by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF. According to government officials, over 130 people have been rescued. The State Disaster Management Center is in continuous communication with district magistrates and the SSP.
People have been brought to the ITBP camp in Kopang. Joint teams from the army, ITBP, and local administration have rescued the affected people and moved them to safe locations. All those affected are being accommodated at the ITBP camp in Kopang. According to the ITBP, everyone listed in the relief list is safe and receiving essential facilities. The administration is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to provide additional assistance. Rescue operations are proceeding rapidly. The State Control Room is continuously monitoring the situation in Dharali.