Uttarakhand is currently grappling with the impact of a natural disaster. The cloudburst in Dharali, near Harshil, on Wednesday has caused widespread destruction, leaving many shocked. Sadly, five people have lost their lives in this incident. Moreover, between 60 and 70 individuals are still missing. The army, NDRF, SDRF, and the district administration are working to move these individuals to safety. To date, 130 people have been rescued, but 100 are still stranded. A new video has emerged from Harshil, depicting the devastation, with homes, hotels, and trees being demolished within seconds.
Soldiers went missing following the cloudburst near the Harshil camp. The army confirmed that two soldiers have been found safe, but nine are still missing, and the search continues. Dharali is situated approximately 20 kilometers before Gangotri Dham and serves as a significant stopover point. Debris continues to flow through the area. The Bhagirathi River, located nearby, and the debris are almost indistinguishable, making it challenging to differentiate between them. The ground has turned into a muddy terrain.
Authorities have issued warnings across the region. The Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority has issued a red alert to district magistrates in Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, based on the weather department’s warnings. These districts have been instructed to prepare for potential disasters. Furthermore, district magistrates in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh have been placed under an orange alert, urging them to be vigilant and take precautions. The continuous rainfall in sensitive areas has increased the risk of floods and landslides. Schools in Uttarkashi have been closed. Heavy rain is expected to hamper rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, upon his return from Andhra Pradesh, immediately went to the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun. He is working with senior officials from the administration, police, and other agencies to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. He has emphasized the importance of restoring electricity and the ongoing war-footing rescue operations. The state government has sanctioned 20 crore rupees for the effective execution of rescue and relief operations.
The Uttarakhand government has released a statement confirming that rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, led by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF. According to officials, over 130 people have been rescued. The State Disaster Management Center is in constant contact 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 individuals and moved them to safe locations. All affected individuals are being accommodated at the ITBP camp in Kopang. According to the ITBP, all those listed in the relief list are safe and are provided with necessary facilities. The administration is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide additional support. Rescue operations are underway rapidly. The State Control Room is keeping a close watch on the situation in Dharali.
