'Over 70 People Rescued in Uttarakhand', Says Col Harshvardhan Leading High-Risk Operation (Image Source: Indian Army)
Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of the 14 Rajputana Rifles, confirmed that more than 70 people were rescued on Wednesday morning following a major mudslide in Uttarakhand's Harsil. The rescue efforts were carried out by the Indian Army, with support from civil authorities and police teams.
Speaking to the media, Col Harshvardhan said that the bridges and safe crossings were set up from Dharali to Mukhwa and Harsil. This allowed the Indian Army to rescue between 70 and 80 civilians.
He added that civil officials and police personnel were also moved safely to Harsil. Those rescued were taken to an army camp for shelter. In addition to these people, over 100 individuals had already taken refuge at the army camp overnight.
Col Harshvardhan said that while the immediate danger had passed, many areas were still cut off. There was no mobile network, and several roads had been washed away or damaged due to heavy rains and mudslides. The stretch between Harsil and Dharali—around five to six kilometres—was completely blocked, and even helipads were flooded, making air support difficult.
He confirmed that all civilians in the area were safe and that anyone in need of medical help had been brought to the army base for treatment. Efforts were underway to clear blocked roads and restore some form of communication.
The army also started building temporary mountain trails to reach places that could no longer be accessed by road. Drones were being used to search for missing persons. Sadly, one body was found on Wednesday morning and was recovered by the rescue team.
Col Harshvardhan mentioned that extra army teams were being brought in to help with rescue and relief. These reinforcements would first set up base camps, as the mudslide had caused damage over a large area. Helicopters were on standby, ready to be deployed once the weather improved.
Recalling the start of the disaster on Tuesday, the officer said that two army units, each with 150 personnel, were sent to Dharali within minutes of receiving the alert. Around 110 to 120 villagers were rescued and moved to safer ground shortly after the troops arrived.
He also shared that the army’s own camp had been hit by a flash flood and mudslide early in the morning. Despite being cut off on both sides, the officers managed to evacuate 50 to 60 labourers who were working at the site at the time.
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), IHQ of MoD (Army), confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that two more rescue columns had been dispatched to the affected areas of Gangotri and Dharali. The army also deployed heavy machinery to clear blocked roads between Harsil and Dharali.
Drones and trained rescue dogs were being used to locate stranded people, and those rescued were being provided with food and medical care. The army said rescue efforts were still ongoing, with teams focused on reaching every person who might still be in danger.
The Indian Army had initially deployed 150 soldiers under Col Harshvardhan’s leadership to begin relief operations on August 5. A post by the Surya Command (Central Command) of the Indian Army confirmed that Col Harshvardhan was personally leading the operations and had been in constant contact with senior officials to keep them updated on the situation.
More army resources, including rescue dogs, drones, supplies, and earth-moving machines, had also been sent to speed up the operation in Harsil.
Army and Air Force helicopters were on standby to deliver food, medicine, and other essentials. These helicopters would also be used to evacuate anyone stuck in remote or high-risk areas, once the weather conditions allowed.
Due to rising water levels and constant rain, locals from low-lying regions had already been moved to higher ground as a safety measure.
The disaster began on Tuesday when two cloudbursts struck Uttarkashi district—one in Dharali and the other in the Sukhi Top area. Both regions experienced massive destruction, but Dharali was hit the hardest. The heavy rains led to flash floods and mudslides that swept away roads, homes, and shops, leaving several people trapped or missing.
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