Uttarkashi Dharali flash floods update:
Following the devastating flash floods in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, the situation remains dire. All routes leading to Dharali have been either destroyed or washed away. Dedicated teams from the army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF are tirelessly conducting rescue operations. To date, over 931 individuals have been safely evacuated, with this number nearing 1000. However, approximately 250 individuals in Dharali and Harsil remain trapped, and efforts to rescue them are ongoing.
Transport to safety
Evacuated individuals are first brought to Harsil and Matli before being transferred to Dehradun. The evacuation of tourists is nearly complete, but efforts to rescue workers and locals employed in Dharali and Gangotri continue.
Road access severely affected
Machinery cannot reach Dharali as many roads have completely vanished. In some instances, stretches as long as 4-5 kilometers have completely disappeared, and re-establishing connections will take several days. Meanwhile, essential supplies and machinery are being airlifted with the assistance of the air force.
Government assistance and decisions
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a compensation of 5 lakh Rupees for families of those who lost their lives in the disaster. Owners of fully destroyed homes will also receive 5 lakh Rupees. Furthermore, a three-member committee has been established to address the rehabilitation and livelihood improvement of affected villages, with its report expected within a week.
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The situation in Harsil
Reporter Ashutosh Mishra describes Harsil as resembling a ‘ghost town’. Hotels, guesthouses, and homes are deserted. Power and communication systems have only recently been restored. Local farmers are worried as their apple orchards are ready for harvest, but with roads blocked, they cannot bring their produce to market.
Source: aajtak
Ashutosh reports that Harsil is now a major base for operations. Numerous hill operations are being coordinated from here, with a steady stream of workers arriving from Gangotri. Early this morning, over 300 people were evacuated from here, transported to Matli, then Uttarkashi, and ultimately Jolly Grant.
The evacuation of tourists is nearly complete. Currently, the main focus is on rescuing workers stranded in Uttarkashi and Harsil. Individuals trapped in Dharali and Gangotri continue to reach here as rescue operations proceed.
The condition of the roadways is dire, with many completely disappearing. Crossing five-kilometer stretches has become extraordinarily challenging. In some sections, the floodwaters have erased any trace of roads. Restoring these connections is expected to take more than 4–5 days.
Therefore, an air passage has been established here. Essential items, generators, and machinery (such as JCBs) are being transported via the air force. Given the region's challenges and devastation, this remains the most effective means for relief and rescue operations.
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The terror of the August 5 havoc in Uttarkashi's Dharali is far from over, with a lake-like threat now emerging in Harsil due to this disaster. The temporary lake in Harsil Valley is causing significant concern. The helipad in Harsil is completely submerged, presenting a vast expanse of lake water, with no sight of the helipad itself.
Rescue efforts in Dharali
A temporary dam has formed near Dharali on the Bhagirathi River due to debris accumulation. Large JCBs and excavators are working to clear paths and remove debris. Incidents of army camps being washed away and soldiers going missing have prompted the deployment of dog squads and scanner machines for their search.
Reservoir formation due to water accumulation
The crisis remains unresolved amidst ongoing relief and rescue operations. The debris that devastated the area continues to pose a threat as the Alaknanda River water accumulates, forming a reservoir. This signifies a looming danger. The region has turned into a swamp, making navigation extremely difficult.
Source: aajtak
Rescue teams face two significant challenges: restoring the area, which is thoroughly devastated, and continuing to save lives. The army's camp in Harsil has also sustained severe damage, and ongoing efforts aim to restore normalcy.
