Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand — In the wake of the devastating flash floods that struck Dharali and Harsil valleys, rescue teams have managed to save 566 people over the past three days. Many have been shifted to safer locations in Harsil and Matli, while 112 critically affected individuals were airlifted to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport for medical care.
Authorities say that operations are still underway to rescue at least 300 more people stranded in remote areas. With roads connecting Dharali completely wiped out, helicopters have become the only lifeline. The Uttarakhand government has deployed four choppers to maintain a steady flow of relief and evacuation efforts between Matli and Harsil.
The massive rescue mission — codenamed “Operation Dharali” — is being carried out by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local administration. Dog squads, drones, and ground-penetrating radars have been brought in to locate anyone trapped under debris.
In addition, an emergency makeshift bridge has been built on the Gangotri National Highway to facilitate movement of relief teams. Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth personally reviewed the situation on the ground and later briefed Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has instructed police and disaster management officials to take all necessary measures without delay.
The disaster struck on Tuesday afternoon when a sudden surge of water, moving at nearly 45 kmph, swept through Dharali and Harsil, leaving a section of Dharali village completely destroyed. Several residents remain missing, and search operations continue amid challenging weather and terrain.
