The rescue mission sparked by the cloudburst and flash floods on August 5 in Dharali and Harsil, located in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, persists into its seventh day. Last night, continuous rain turned debris in Dharali into a quagmire. Cracks appeared in the footbridge connecting Mukhwa to Dharali, presenting new challenges for the relief efforts. It's believed over 100 individuals remain trapped under the debris, with searches ongoing using advanced technology.
The army's para brigade is readying to construct a temporary route across the river in Harsil, using speed boats. Meanwhile, NDRF's mountaineering division plans to ascend to the origin of the flood. Alongside, the para brigade devises a ropeway extension from the Harsil army camp to facilitate smoother relief material delivery.
Previously: Amidst the Dharali crisis, politics intensifies as Congress accuses the Dhami government of delay in publishing the missing persons list.
As of August 10, 1,308 people have been safely rescued. From the debris alone, 177 were extracted yesterday. A total of 326 helicopter sorties have occurred—64 just yesterday, including 8 Chinook, MI-17, and ALH helicopters, alongside 56 UCADA aircraft. According to the Indian Army, there have been 5 confirmed fatalities, with over 100 individuals missing.
Utilization of Ground Penetrating Radar
To locate survivors and bodies, two ground-penetrating radars (GPR) have been deployed by the army, with an additional five set by the National Geophysical Research Institute. Detailed LiDAR surveys conducted by army Cheetah helicopters have scanned the affected area. Furthermore, 10 sniffer dogs are on-ground, aiding the search. The bridge in Harsil has been reconstructed, ensuring fluid movement of machinery and aid supplies. More than 1,000 personnel are dedicated to this operation.
High-Level Meetings for Second Rescue Phase
Uttarakhand's Director General of Police (DGP), Deepam Seth, accessed the primary relief efforts in Dharali and Harsil on Sunday under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s guidance. Holding a detailed strategic review at the police headquarters in Dehradun, DGP Seth assessed the forthcoming plans.
Also: 'As the roar grew louder…'—Stories from the people of Rampur, trapped for multiple days in the Dharali disaster.
The meeting involved senior police officers and team leaders from various units of the police dispatched for effective relief and rescue operations in Uttarkashi district—SDRF, Fire Service, PAC, and Telecom Department. A comprehensive dialogue expanded on the subsequent phase, with a dedicated focus on search and rescue missions announced.
