Uttarakhand Cloudburst: 10 Army Soldiers Missing in Harsil, Over 50 Feared Missing in Uttarkashi, 37 Rescued by ITBP
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: A destructive Uttarakhand storm cloudburst hit the district of Uttarkashi on Tuesday, prompting a flash flood that left at least 10 soldiers unaccounted for and over 50 people without a home. The destruction it caused was significant.
Two key locations in Uttarkashi were affected by the disaster. First, the Kheerganga River in Dharali Town was hit by a devastating flash flood due to torrential rainfall. Floodwaters destroyed hotels and homes in the Dharali town, which is located at 8,600 feet. The death toll has been confirmed at four, but it is believed that there are many more who have drowned. Another cloudburst in Sukh Top—a popular tourist destination in the area—was also reported, adding to the tragedy.
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have assured Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh that they will provide full support to manage rescue and relief efforts. Despite ongoing difficulties, teams from the National Disaster Response Forces (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Patrols (ITBP), State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF), and the National Disaster Response Force have actively been deployed in affected areas to conduct rescue missions.
Army Personnel Leads Rescue Efforts Despite Harrowing Conditions
The unflinching resolve of 150 Army soldiers from the 14th RAJRIF Regiment, under the command of Col. Harshvardhan, has made the operation a success. Team members are conducting rescue and recovery efforts in Kheer Gad Dharali. This area has been affected by catastrophic landslides caused by Uttarakhand’s flash floods.
The team continues to work under difficult conditions despite their severely damaged base and the fear of 11 missing personnel. They have rescued more than 20 civilians. Torrential rains, mudslides, and severed communication have not deterred the team.
In a recent statement, Lt Col Manish Srivastava (PRO of Defence, Dehradun) highlighted the soldiers’ determination in the face of adversity. The unit’s performances are a testament to the dedication and spirit of the Armed Forces in serving the citizens of the country.
Uttarakhand’s cloudburst and the subsequent flash flooding that followed it have brought to light the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Dharali is a shattered town, where entire houses have been destroyed and many families are displaced. Local authorities are concerned about the increasing impact of climate change, as heavy rain and cloudbursts have become more frequent.
Community response was swift and compassionate. Residents and volunteers provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to the affected. Officials are also assessing damage to the infrastructure, including the roads and communications lines that remain damaged in many areas.
Also Read: Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: 4 Dead, Several Feared Missing in Nature’s Fury
The Road Ahead for Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has experienced many natural disasters. This latest tragedy highlights the need for disaster preparation and sustainable development. Experts stress the need to rethink infrastructure development for ecologically sensitive regions such as Uttarkashi in order to reduce the risks of catastrophe during these events.
The NDRF and ITBP continue to rescue with unwavering determination. Meanwhile, the state government works with teams of disaster managers to reduce the effects and provide relief for affected residents.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and to avoid travel to the affected areas while they continue rescue and recovery efforts. Rains continue, creating a threat of further flooding and landslides.
Resources are mobilized for the rapid acceleration of relief operations. The central government pledged its full support to Uttarakhand. In nearby areas that were not affected by the flooding, relief camps have been established to offer temporary housing to those who had been displaced.
Officials are working with experts and local authorities to guarantee the safety of the residents. As the situation changes, we will share updates on rescue efforts as well as road connectivity.
