Uttarakhand is currently facing the wrath of nature. The cloudburst in Dharali, near Harshil, on Wednesday caused widespread destruction, deeply affecting everyone. Five people have died as a result of this tragedy, and approximately 60 to 70 people are still unaccounted for. The army, NDRF, SDRF, and the district police and administration are working together to transport the affected individuals to safer areas. So far, 130 people have been rescued. However, around 100 individuals remain stranded. A new video showcasing the devastation in Harshil has emerged, showing how homes, hotels, trees, and all other structures were completely destroyed within seconds.
Soldiers were reported missing after the cloudburst near Harshil camp. According to the army, two soldiers have been found, but nine are still missing. The search for these missing soldiers continues. Dharali is located about 20 kilometers before Gangotri Dham and is a significant halt for pilgrims. Debris is still flowing through the area. The Bhagirathi River, which runs nearby, and the debris look almost identical, making it hard to differentiate between the two. The ground has become incredibly muddy.
Weather alerts have been issued across different districts. The Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority has issued a red alert to the district magistrates of Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, following the weather department’s warnings. Authorities in these areas have been instructed to prepare for potential disasters. Furthermore, district magistrates in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh have been given an orange alert, urging them to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The continuous rainfall in the state’s sensitive areas has increased the risk of floods and landslides. Schools in Uttarkashi have been closed. Rainfall poses a challenge to rescue and relief operations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami immediately went to the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun after returning from his visit to Andhra Pradesh. He is coordinating relief and rescue efforts with senior officials. The restoration of electricity is a top priority, and rescue operations are underway on a war footing. The state government has approved 20 crore rupees to aid rescue and relief operations.
The Uttarakhand government announced that rescue and relief work is being conducted 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 communication with the district magistrates and the SSP.
People have been taken to the ITBP camp in Kopang. Joint teams from the army, ITBP, and local administration have rescued affected people. All of them have been moved to the ITBP camp in Kopang. The ITBP confirms that all individuals listed in the relief list are safe and are receiving necessary facilities at the camp. The administration is consistently monitoring the situation and is ready to provide additional support. Rescue operations are progressing rapidly. The State Control Room is keeping a close eye on the situation in Dharali.