Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarakhand’s Harshil and Dharali after devastating flash floods and landslides triggered by a cloudburst earlier this week. Fifty-nine people—including 50 civilians and nine soldiers—are still missing, while five deaths have been confirmed.
Here are the top 10 key updates from the ground:
- 274 stranded tourists, including 131 from Gujarat and 123 from Maharashtra, have been rescued from Gangotri and nearby regions, and are being relocated to Uttarkashi and Dehradun.
- Rescue plans involve airlifting troops and medics using Army Chinook helicopters from Harshil and Mi-17 choppers from Nelong, since road access is compromised.
- Mi-17s are ferrying NDRF personnel and medical teams in and out of affected zones, while a civilian helipad in Dharali remains non-operational.
- ITBP helicopters have airlifted 61 people to Matli, with one evacuee requiring immediate hospital care.
- Chopper-based evacuations have accelerated relief efforts, particularly as flooded roads block vehicle access. On Wednesday, 190 people were rescued from Dharali alone.
- CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Matli helipad, met evacuees, and pledged full support from the state.
- Rescue teams face tough terrain and unstable weather, relying on sniffer dogs and ground-penetrating radar to find survivors.
- Massive mudslides have buried half of Dharali, a popular stop near Gangotri, home to many guesthouses.
- BRO Director-General Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan noted four critical landslide points along the Harshil-Dharali stretch, much of which is submerged.
- In Harsil Valley, rescue access remains cut off after a 100-meter iron bridge collapsed.