Heavy devastation occurred due to cloudbursts in Dharali, Harsil, and Sukhi Top in Uttarkashi. 10 deaths reported, army personnel missing. Over 130 people have been successfully rescued.
Uttarakhand Cloudburst: A cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand has caused widespread devastation. Normal life has been severely affected in Dharali village, Harsil, and Sukhi Top due to flooding and debris. So far, 10 deaths have been confirmed, while several people, including 10 army personnel, are still missing. The army, SDRF, NDRF, and local administration are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing.
Devastating Flood Caused by Cloudburst
A cloudburst occurred suddenly in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, late Monday night. The incident took place in the catchment area of the Khir Ganga River, causing a rapid flow of water and a deluge of debris in the river. This flood severely affected Dharali village. The speed of the water was so intense that three- to four-story buildings and more than 20 hotels, homestays, and houses collapsed like a house of cards.
Sukhi and Harsil Also Affected Besides Dharali
The deluge was not limited to Dharali. The b current of the Khir Ganga River carved its path in two directions on the hillside. One stream went towards Dharali and the other towards Sukhi village. Sukhi Top and Harsil areas have also suffered heavy damage. The helipad at the Harsil Army Camp was submerged, and the camp sustained significant damage.
10 Deaths Reported, 10 Army Personnel Missing
So far, 10 deaths have been confirmed in this natural disaster. In addition, several civilians, including 10 army personnel, are reported missing. The local administration, the army's 14th RAJRIF unit, SDRF, NDRF, and police are fully engaged in relief and rescue operations. About 150 soldiers, led by Colonel Harshvardhan, are involved in the rescue operation.
Over 130 People Rescued
The rescue operation is ongoing. The army and rescue teams have safely evacuated more than 130 people so far. Many people have been shifted by helicopter, while the rest have been accommodated in temporary camps.
Half of Dharali Village Devastated in Debris
Dharali village, an important stopover on the Gangotri Dham pilgrimage, has been the biggest victim of this disaster. Almost half of the village has been buried under debris and mud. The homes, shops, and businesses of many families have been completely destroyed. Relief teams are searching for people buried in the rubble.
Cadaver Dog Squad Deployed
The NDRF has deployed a special dog squad for finding dead bodies in Uttarakhand for the first time. This team has been airlifted from Delhi. In addition, rescue teams from various parts of Uttarakhand have reached the spot, each team comprising more than 35 trained personnel.
Monitoring from State Control Room
The disaster in the Dharali area is being monitored from the State Control Room. The situation in the area is also being monitored through satellites and drones to better manage the relief efforts.
Bad Weather Hinders Relief Efforts
Continuous rain throughout Uttarakhand is causing frequent disruptions to the rescue operation. Landslide incidents have also been reported, blocking roads. Aerial rescue is also facing difficulties as visibility is very low in many areas.
Railway Track Disrupted in Haridwar
Debris from the mountain has fallen on the railway track near Bhimgoda Tunnel in Haridwar, disrupting the Haridwar-Dehradun railway service. Several trains have been cancelled, and passengers are having to travel by alternative means.
PM Modi and Home Minister Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over this tragedy. He said on social media that relief work is progressing rapidly under the supervision of the state government, and all possible help will be provided to the victims. He has also inquired about the situation from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed grief over the incident and said that the central government is ready to provide all possible assistance to Uttarakhand.
Red Alert Issued for Rain
The Meteorological Department has warned of more heavy rain in Uttarakhand in the coming days. A red alert has been issued for Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts on Wednesday. An orange alert has been declared for Champawat, Bageshwar, Uttarkashi, Pauri, Tehri, and Dehradun districts. This makes it clear that the crisis is not over yet and people need to be vigilant.
