Relief and rescue operations in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village have entered the sixth day on Sunday (August 10), with several evacuated and airlifted to safer places. The Indian Army personnel have also completed construction of the Bailey bridge in Limchigad. Over 60 are still feared trapped.
The rescue operations started after a flash floods washed away houses and everything that came in their way on Tuesday (August 5) after a cloudburst in Dharali in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. The village is a popular spot among tourists and pilgrims going for the Char Dham yatra.
The Indian Army is working on the ground in collaboration with ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF to rescue people in Dharali and Harsil. To intensify the search, the personnel were joined by canines from the Indian Army and the SDRF. Currently, around 1056 personnel are involved in rescue, repair, and evacuation operations.
How Army’s canine unit works?
Deployed to intensify the search and rescue in Dharali, Indian Army’s canine team consists of well-trained dogs including Opna (4 years old), Jansi (3.5 years), Sara (4.5 years), June (7 years), Rahi (8 years), Hazel (4 years). They can detect scents 15–18 feet deep.
These canines work in cycles of 30 to 35 minutes followed by a 10-minute break for up to three hours, and have contributed significantly in locating individuals under mounds of debris and rubble.
Dharali Rescue Operations: What is the latest update on evacuations, deaths?
As per the latest updates, only 2 bodies have been retrieved so far while around 816 people have been rescued from the flood-hit Dharali village.
Under the Indian Army’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations in Dharali and Harsil, a total of 33 helicopter sorties — including Army and civil aviation — evacuated 195 civilians from affected areas on Saturday (August 9). Nearly 200 tourists were assisted in crossing the mudslide zones and reaching the Harsil helipad.
In addition to the dog squads, the SDRF is also using advanced tools, including a victim locating camera and a thermal imaging camera, to locate any survivors.
How are the food, accommodation preparations?
Food and accommodation have been provided to over 110 stranded tourists.
By Sunday 11 am, 20 people have been rescued safely at Matli helipad, and after first aid, they are being sent to their destination, according to the Uttarkashi district administration. Further, the relief and rescue work is going on a war footing after the Dharali Harshil disaster.
The administration added that the availability of essential goods has been ensured in sufficient quantity in the disaster-affected areas. The work of delivering food items and other relief materials to each house has started. Along with rescue teams, the availability of all types of relief material is being ensured in the disaster-affected areas of Harshil-Dharali.
Meanwhile, mobile network in Harsil valley has been restored.