Uttarkashi: The toll in the catastrophic flash floods and landslides triggered by a cloudburst in Uttarkashi district has risen to 5 amid reports of several going missing, including Indian Army soldiers, as rescue operations continue in treacherous conditions.
Personnel from the Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police have rescued 130 people so far, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Wednesday after inspecting the rescue efforts on the ground.
The torrential cloudburst struck late Tuesday night, ravaging the villages of Dharali and Sukhi Top. By Wednesday morning, the official death toll had risen to at least five, with 50 to 100 residents and Army personnel still unaccounted for.
Rescue operations, carried out by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, State Disaster Response Force, and National Disaster Response Force, faced major hurdles as key roads—including the critical highway to Gangotri—were obliterated by swollen rivers and ceaseless landslides. “Heavy rainfall continues to hamper efforts as more teams are stranded and access routes remain cut off,” officials said.
The floods have swept away 20 to 40 homes, shops, hotels, and much of the Dharali market, with large sections buried under debris. Helicopters are on standby for air rescue missions, but poor weather has grounded flights.
The state government prioritized restoration of communication lines and bridges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and pledged central government support, while Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that all emergency response resources had been mobilized.
The India Meteorological Department warned that relentless monsoon rains pose a continued risk of further incidents, maintaining a red alert for the region. Emergency helplines have been established, with food, medical care, and relief supplies being rushed in by land wherever possible.
Rescue officials warn that the number of missing could rise as search teams fight shifting debris and ongoing downpours. Local authorities and armed forces continue to work “at a war footing” even as hopes remain for finding survivors in the affected villages.
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as search operations overcome the severe challenges presented by the weather and terrain.
The floods have swept away 20 to 40 homes, shops, hotels, and much of the Dharali market, with large sections buried under debris. Helicopters are on standby for air rescue missions, but poor weather has grounded flights.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived in Uttarkashi to take stock of the situation, as the state government prioritized restoration of communication lines and bridges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and pledged central government support, while Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that all emergency response resources had been mobilized.
The India Meteorological Department warned that relentless monsoon rains pose a continued risk of further incidents, maintaining a red alert for the region. Emergency helplines have been established, with food, medical care, and relief supplies being rushed in by land wherever possible.
Rescue officials warn that the number of missing could rise as search teams fight shifting debris and ongoing downpours. Local authorities and armed forces continue to work “at a war footing” even as hopes remain for finding survivors in the affected villages.
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as search operations overcome the severe challenges presented by the weather and terrain
