Search Continues for Missing People in Uttarakhand’s Dharali: Official

Authorities continue to search for missing people in Dharali town in the Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall hit hotels and residential buildings on Tuesday, an official confirmed.

Evacuation, Road Repairs, and Debris Removal

Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey told the media that 382 people were evacuated on Wednesday. “Our work is progressing in three directions rescuing stranded pilgrims in Gangotri who have travelled from other states, restoring damaged road links, and clearing debris in the badly hit Dharali area while tracking missing persons. We are also documenting the damage to public and private property,” he said.

He added that senior officers are handling these tasks on separate fronts. “So far today, 44 people have been rescued. Helicopter services are running without interruption, though Chinook and Mi helicopters are on standby due to unsuitable weather. Once conditions improve, they will be used. The Chief Minister is in Uttarkashi, overseeing the operations, and food supplies are being regularly sent,” he said.

Restoring Power and Communication

According to Pandey, two generators are prepared to be sent to the disaster-hit area to bring back electricity. “Once clearance is given for Chinook and Mi helicopters to fly, the generators will be transported immediately. Internet services will also be restored soon,” he added.

The state has faced major monsoon-related disruptions, especially in high-altitude zones, leading to large-scale evacuation and relief work by various agencies. On Tuesday, two cloudbursts one in Dharali and another at Sukhi Top near Dharali caused significant destruction, with Dharali suffering the worst damage.

Joint Rescue Efforts

To evaluate the current rescue operations in Dharali, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with representatives from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at the Uttarkashi camp office on Friday. Personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), ITBP, NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and local volunteers are working together to find the missing and provide aid. Helicopters are ferrying those rescued from the Dharali-Harsil area to the Matli helipad, from where arrangements are in place to help them reach their destinations safely.

Helicopters are being used to rescue the stuck, according to NDRF DIG Gambhir Singh Chauhan. He added that several agencies, including the Army, NDRF, ITBP, and local administration, are working together on both ground and aerial operations.