A grave tragedy struck picturesque Dharali village in Uttarkashi as cloudburst caused flash floods, washing away homes and everything that came in the way. Since then, the Indian Army has been at work to rescue those still stuck and has so far evacuated over 350 civilians.
The Indian Army is working in close coordination with the Indian Air Force, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the civil administration, spearheading large-scale rescue and relief operations.
Dharali Cloudburst: What is the latest update on rescue ops?
In a statement on Friday (August 8), the Indian Army informed that it has rescued 357 civilians so far, including 119 airlifted to Dehradun. Rescue teams comprise Indian Army columns, combat engineers, medical units, and specialised Search and Rescue (SAR) dog squads.
There have been, however, 2 fatalities and 8 soldiers of 14 RAJ RIF are still unaccounted for. Civil administration reports approximately 100 civilians still missing.
The NDRF has deployed 105 personnel, working alongside SDRF and ITBP teams, with medical officers positioned in Harsil and Dharali. Moreover, Indian Army columns, combat engineers, and medical teams are there on ground assisting the civilians and helping with communication equipment, specialist rescue tools, and Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs.
What is the current situation in Dharali, Uttarkashi?
As per the latest update shared by the army, the village remains cut off due to extensive landslides and road damage. However, road clearance has progressed up to Limchigad, and work on launching a Bailey Bridge is underway, expected to be completed by evening.
To fast track the search and rescue ops, a communication control room has been established by the Indian Army at Harsil with operational Wi-Fi and satellite connectivity. Efforts are ongoing by BSNL and Airtel to restore public communication networks in the region.
Indian Air Force’s Dharali operation: How many aircraft have been deployed?
A total of 68 helicopter sorties were carried out on Thursday, August 7, which included 6 from the Indian Air Force, 7 from Indian Army, and 55 civil helicopters. “Heli-Bridging in progress connecting Dehradun, Harshil, Matli and onward to Dharasu ALG using C-295 aircraft,” Indian Army said.
Further, helicopters are ferrying critical supplies, equipment, and rescue personnel, and airlifting stranded civilians from isolated pockets.
Communication in affected areas restored?
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has successfully re-established critical communication infrastructure to support rescue efforts and civilian welfare in continuation of the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the Harsil sector.
Yesterday, secured Army communication networks, including satellite and radio relay systems, were activated immediately to aid ongoing rescue missions.