Key Highlights:
- 4 dead as flash floods and debris slide hit Dharali village in Uttarkashi.
- Army, NDRF, and SDRF deployed; 20 rescued so far amid challenging conditions.
- IMD warns of more heavy rain, complicating rescue efforts in the remote region.
Uttarkashi Disaster: Flash Floods Kill 4, Rescue Teams Battle Landslides
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – A sudden cloudburst unleashed havoc in Dharali village on Tuesday, triggering flash floods and a catastrophic debris slide that swept away hotels, shops, and homes. At least four people have been confirmed dead, with fears rising that more remain trapped under the rubble.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the scene within minutes after the disaster struck around 1:50 PM. The IBEX Brigade, stationed nearby in Harsil, was among the first responders, pulling 20 people to safety before their own camp was hit by surging floodwaters.
District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the fatalities but warned that the toll could rise as debris clearance continues. “Landslides have cut off key roads, and bad weather is hampering efforts,” he said.
IMD’s Grim Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an alert predicting 120 mm of rainfall within 24 hours. By evening, Gangotri recorded 15 mm of rain per hour, accompanied by severe thunderstorms and winds reaching 87 kmph. The downpour has raised fears of further landslides in the already fragile Himalayan terrain.
A Race Against Time
With the nearest hospital 5 km away and AIIMS Rishikesh 246 km from the site, authorities have mobilized air support. The state government has requested two MI helicopters and a Chinook, while UCADA has readied its choppers for evacuation.
“We’ve reserved extra beds in Dehradun and Rishikesh hospitals,” an official statement said. Over 100 NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP personnel have been deployed, equipped with thermal cameras, drones, and heavy-duty cutting tools to locate survivors.
Challenges Ahead
SDM Shalini Negi reported that landslides have blocked multiple access routes, forcing teams to wait for airlift opportunities. “The moment the weather clears, we’ll intensify search operations,” she said.
As Uttarakhand reels from yet another natural calamity, questions arise about infrastructure resilience in ecologically sensitive zones. For now, the focus remains on saving every life possible.
(Stay tuned to AlwaysFirst for live updates on this developing story.)
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