In Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, the skies unleashed a torrential downpour on Tuesday resulting in catastrophic destruction as a cloudburst ravaged Dharali village. The entire vicinity was engulfed in debris, with the ominous roar of waters accompanied by heart-wrenching cries. The tragedy has claimed four lives so far, and over fifty individuals remain missing, as military rescue operations continue.
Among the obliterated zones is an army camp, including an army mess and café, with several soldiers feared missing. The 14 Rajputana Rifles unit is stationed in Harsil, where a helipad built along the river has also been washed away. The relentless rain has thwarted helicopter aid and rescue efforts.
What’s the latest on the Dharali disaster?
Four NDRF teams are on site, fervently engaged in rescue missions. Additionally, three teams from the ITBP are actively involved in relief efforts. Both state and central governments highlight the severity, urging locals to stay away from the swollen riverbanks. The state government remains vigilant with continuous monitoring.
Constant heavy rains have caused debris and boulders to tumble onto sections of the Gangotri National Highway, severely disrupting thoroughfare. The BRO is rigorously working to reopen the National Highway. Unfortunately, the army camp has also been caught in the fray, with reports of missing soldiers. Helicopter aid remains obstructed due to the incessant downpour.
The flood in Dharali's Khir Ganga has inundated the Harsil helipad area. There’s an impending threat of flooding in lower regions of Uttarkashi, prompting many to evacuate.
Source: aajtak
Currently, adverse weather hampers rescue escalation, but once it clears, operations will intensify. Schools and colleges remain closed across districts in Uttarakhand today. Since the cloudburst, debris continuously cascades from the mountains, with people documenting this ongoing occurrence through videos.
On-ground insights from Aaj Tak's team
At ground zero, located 35 kilometers away in Bhatawari, our correspondent has provided a first-hand account of the current perilous conditions. The primary impediment to rescue efforts remains the hostile weather, compounded by alert warnings across several regions. Access to Dharali village remains treacherous due to numerous landslides, challenging the advance of NDRF and ITBP teams.
Source: aajtak
The 150-meter road stretch connecting Uttarkashi to Gangotri-Harsil has completely crumbled, hindering further progress of rescue teams. Such scenes are spread throughout with roads deteriorating and growing cracks. Under such circumstances, rescuers attempt to traverse over the hills, hauling necessary supplies. Additional rescue teams will first need to carve paths through the mountains. Yet, the persistent rain poses a formidable obstacle. Due to poor conditions, helicopters cannot land, though they are on standby. The Bhagirathi River’s surge compelled the evacuation of subsequent villages.
The most significant challenge for rescuers is reaching the site. Currently, there’s a dearth of machinery or detection systems, complicating efforts to identify those trapped beneath debris.
A red alert is in place across Uttarakhand today due to anticipated heavy rainfall. The meteorological department has issued this warning in regions like Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. Numerous regions are under orange alert, with nine districts witnessing closures as a precaution against expected heavy rainfalls. Schools across Dehradun, Nainital, Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Champawat, Pauri, Almora, and Bageshwar are closed today. Classes from standard one to twelve in all educational institutions and Anganwadi centers will remain on holiday.
Simultaneously, Rudraprayag continues to experience heavy rains since late last night. The Alaknanda River is nearing danger levels. The Kedarnath pilgrimage has been temporarily halted. Persistent rains continue in Bageshwar, with the Gomti and Saryu Rivers swelling dangerously high. Continuous rain batter the regions of Kotdwar and nearby hilly areas since late night.
