Uttarkashi flash floods: Army rescues 70 as over 50 still missing; Rescue operations continue for third day
Uttarkashi flash floods: As rescue operations in the flood-stricken regions of Uttarkashi entered their third consecutive day on Thursday, the Indian Army confirmed the successful evacuation of 70 persons, while over 50 still remain unaccounted for.
Officials reported that at least four deaths have occurred since the flash floods hit the ecologically sensitive zone on Tuesday afternoon. While two bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, the authorities have yet to confirm whether they are among the four earlier reported deaths.
According to the district administration, 65 stranded persons were airlifted to Matli town, situated approximately 432 km from the capital. Meanwhile, efforts have been intensified to transport advanced rescue equipment to Dharali — one of the worst-affected areas — to aid in locating those possibly buried under debris.
The Army, in association with civil authorities, has increased the scale of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Dharali and neighbouring Harsil. The region remains inaccessible due to road washouts and multiple landslides.
In an official statement, the Army revealed that nine of its personnel — including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and eight jawans — are also missing.
Nine Army personnel and three civilians have been airlifted to Dehradun. Among the civilians, three critically injured were referred to AIIMS Rishikesh, while eight others were admitted to the Uttarkashi district hospital.
Connectivity remains a major hurdle, with roads blocked at several key locations such as Bartwari, Linchigad, Harsil, Gangnani, and Dharali. Rescue and relief teams are working around the clock to assist stranded civilians, distribute aid, and reopen blocked routes.
The military helipads in Harsil and Nelong are currently operational and accessible from Gangotri, allowing limited movement of personnel and tourists. However, the civil helipad at Dharali is still unusable due to heavy mudslide damage.
The Indian Army has deployed over 225 personnel, including engineers, medical units, and search specialists. Additionally, canine search units and two Recco Radar teams have been stationed in Tekla and nearby zones to expedite rescue efforts.
Helicopters, including Chinook and Mi-17, are on standby at Dehradun’s Jollygrant Airport, prepared to launch aerial evacuations once weather conditions permit. Meanwhile, five civil helicopters operating from Sahastradhara have been conducting sorties between Matli, Bhatwari, and Harsil in collaboration with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
To support continuous aerial operations, an ad hoc aviation base is being established at Matli helipad.
Around 180 to 200 tourists currently stranded in Gangotri are being provided with food, temporary shelter, and medical assistance by both Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) teams.
- With inputs from agencies
