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Key Points

Helicopter rescues continue for a third day in flood-ravaged Uttarkashi districts. Survivors describe terrifying escapes as homes were swept away, with five confirmed dead and 50 missing. The SDRF is using advanced tech and canine units to locate stranded victims. While mobile services return, landslides have halted pilgrimage routes along the Char Dham circuit.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Cloudburst Rescue Continues as Death Toll Rises

  • Rescue teams evacuate 566 via Matli helipad amid landslides
  • Army camp in Harsil destroyed by flash floods
  • SDRF deploys thermal cameras and dog squads
  • Char Dham Yatra disrupted as mobile networks slowly restored
2 min read

Uttarakhand Cloudburst: Rescue operations continue for third day

Helicopter rescue operations persist in Uttarkashi as survivors recount horror of flash floods. Over 500 evacuated, 50 still missing.

"Our house got washed away. All our things were in it... Everything is gone. We just ran to save our lives... – Flood survivor"

Uttarkashi, August 9

The rescue operations in flood-affected regions in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi continue through helicopters for the third consecutive day on Saturday morning.

The rescue operations are being carried out from the Matli helipad in Uttarkashi to the disaster-affected areas of Dharali and Harsil in Uttarakhand.

People trapped in the Dharali-Harsil disaster are being rescued through helicopters and brought to Matli helipad, from where arrangements have also been made to ensure their safe arrival at their destination.

The army camp in Harsil, which was swept away due to a cloudburst, paints a gory picture of the flash floods with its dilapidated remains.

The devastating flash floods in Uttarakhand's Dharali and Harsil regions have left a trail of destruction, with survivors recounting harrowing moments of terror as they fought to save their lives.

As rescue operations continue in Uttarakhand's flood-hit areas, survivors are coming forward to share their horrific experiences, describing the moment when their homes and belongings were swept away.

"Our house got washed away. All our things were in it... Everything is gone. We just ran to save our lives..." said one of the victims to ANI.

After being rescued, Pooja, a resident of Dehradun, who had gone to her parents' home in Dharali to celebrate Rakshabandhan, said, "The situation there is bad... I could not tie a Rakhi to my brothers. I had to come back... A lot of people there lost their lives..."

The flash floods in Uttarakhand have brought unimaginable destruction, with survivors describing the disaster as a nightmare that will stay with them forever.

Three days after the devastating floods hit Dharali and Harsil, a total of 566 people were evacuated by Friday noon from the affected areas. At the same time, personnel still carried out rescue operations for 300 people who were stranded.

At least five people have been reported dead, and 50 are still missing. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been actively involved in the rescue operations, utilising state-of-the-art equipment, including a victim locating camera and thermal imaging camera.

Dog squads have been deployed alongside rescue personnel to search for stranded individuals.

The mobile network was restored in the disaster-hit Harsil valley. However, the landslides have disrupted the Char Dham Yatra.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
That poor woman who couldn't tie Rakhi to her brothers... these festivals should be moments of joy, not tragedy. My prayers with all affected families 🙏
A
Arjun K
While rescue efforts are commendable, we need long-term solutions. Unchecked construction in fragile Himalayan regions is making these disasters worse. Time for strict environmental policies!
S
Sarah B
The use of thermal imaging and dog squads shows how advanced our disaster response has become. Proud of our forces! Hope they find all missing people soon.
K
Kavya N
My cousin was part of the SDRF team deployed there. They haven't slept properly in 3 days! Salute to these real heroes who work while we sit comfortably at home.
M
Michael C
The Char Dham Yatra disruption is unfortunate, but human lives come first. Tourists should understand the gravity of the situation and cooperate with authorities.
N
Nikhil C
Climate change is making these cloudbursts more frequent. We need better early warning systems in hilly areas. Every minute counts in such disasters!

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