Due to adverse weather conditions, rescue operations at the disaster-hit location in Dharali have faced significant challenges. Many individuals remain missing, feared deceased. Rescuers are primarily concerned with locating these individuals, as they could be trapped under debris if not found alive.
Reports indicate that debris may be perched 40 to 50 feet above the pre-existing Dharali village and marketplace. The disruption of road links severely limits the availability of heavy machinery and resources for excavation on site.
To enhance their efforts, rescuers have deployed sniffer dogs to locate potential survivors. However, time constraints have led to diminishing hopes of finding anyone alive.
Source: aajtak
Prior to Dharali, Disaster Strikes...
On August 5th, the village of Dharali in Uttarkashi was repeatedly ravaged by nature's fury, although six significant incidents were captured on video. These videos depict the terrifying floods and surges hitting Khir Ganga. The day began calmly, with festivities at the Someshwar Devta Temple. But at around 1:30 PM, the first flood struck with a deafening roar audible even in Mukhwa village. Villagers there blew whistles to warn Dharali, prompting many to seek safety, though some were caught in the sudden deluge, struggling desperately to escape the swirling torrents.
Source: aajtak
With debris constantly flowing, it has been challenging to ascertain the frequency of floods emanating from Khir Ganga.
Nature's Wrath Unleashed in Dharali...
Six videos have surfaced, depicting the devastation from Khir Ganga towards Dharali. The initial surge occurred around 1:30 PM, disrupting rituals at the Someshwar Devta Temple. A subsequent surge at 2:30 PM swept away a bridge and a mobile tower. The third, fourth, and fifth surges struck at 3:10 PM, 3:35 PM, and 3:55 PM, causing chaos. The final and sixth surge occurred around 6:00 PM, plunging the village into darkness by cutting off power and communication.
Read More: Massive 50-Foot Debris Poses Challenge for Dharali Rescue Efforts
Disaster's Grip Tightens on Dharali
Rescue Operations in Dharali Continued...
All agencies involved in the search operation are utilizing state-of-the-art and advanced technologies to recover the bodies of the missing individuals. The NDRF, SDRF, and the Army have deployed advanced machinery for the search operation in Dharali. A large number of sniffer dogs and victim identification cameras have been deployed by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force, which can detect survivors or bodies in narrowly accessible path ways above layers of mud and debris.
According to Uttarakhand SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, they are using maximum resources to recover the bodies of potentially missing individuals buried below.
Source: aajtak
The Indian Army has also deployed sniffer dogs and thermal scanners at Harshil military camp to locate their missing soldiers trapped in the mud. Despite these efforts, the thickness of the wetlands and mud that swept over the camp poses a significant challenge in finding the bodies of the missing soldiers.
Read More: Nature's Fury: Dharali Village Struck by Six Calamities and Floods Within a Day
The NDRF has also installed a rescue radar capable of detecting survivors if any signs of breathing or human activity are detected beneath the mud. Thermal imaging cameras on drones have been deployed by the NDRF, enabling comprehensive scanning of the entire structure and landscape. Commandant Sudesh from NDRF states these technologies are highly effective and efficient during initial crisis stages. Known as the 'golden hours,' these crucial early hours offer the highest chances of survival due to breathing and potential activities, with such technologies proving invaluable during this period.
