Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand): Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in the flood-affected areas of Dharali and Harsil in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, with 75 more individuals rescued on Friday, part of an effort to reach a target of 300 rescues for the day. Despite these efforts, one body has been recovered, and 49 people remain unaccounted for. District Magistrate Prashant Arya reported that nearly 400 people were evacuated from Dharali and Harsil on Thursday, with rescue operations continuing.
He stated that the process of evacuation has started, and approximately 75 people have been rescued so far. Relief materials have been distributed, and a community kitchen has been set up in Harsil, which will be operational in Dharali today. Medical camps, established by the state health department, local volunteers, and the Army, are already in place. The DM also mentioned efforts to restore roads, electricity, and internet connectivity, which is expected to be back by the day’s end. The assessment of damages to agriculture and property will also be carried out.
NDRF DIG Gambhir Singh Chauhan praised Thursday’s rescue operations, which successfully evacuated around 400 people, and stated that about 150 individuals have been rescued so far today. He emphasized that if weather conditions improve, all agencies will continue working together to complete the rescue efforts.
The Indian Army and Air Force have intensified their rescue operations in Harsil. The Army reported that a total of 357 civilians have been rescued so far, with 119 airlifted to Dehradun. Ground rescue teams include Army columns, combat engineers, medical units, and specialized Search and Rescue (SAR) dog squads. The NDRF has deployed 105 personnel working alongside SDRF and ITBP teams, including medical officers providing assistance in both Harsil and Dharali.