Uttarkashi flood: At least 15 evacuated, Indian Army search and rescue operations ongoing

At least 15 people were successfully evacuated in Indian Army rescue operations at the site of the Uttarkashi flash floods on Tuesday.  

The flash floods, caused by a cloudburst, were said to have caused a landslide today afternoon near Dharali village, approximately 4km away from the Indian Army camp at Harshil.

The operation was carried out by at 150 personnel, who reached the site in ten  minutes. Photos circulating on social media show search and rescue operations—by the NDRF, SDRF, and the Army—in the region are still ongoing.

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Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the deaths of four people in the flash flood that struck Dharali village. Many more have been reported missing.

The Uttarakhand government has also roped in the Air Force to offer aerial assistance with the rescue operations, as per an announcement from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA).

Beds have been reserved in nearby hospitals and AIIMS Dehradun. Ambulances have also been dispatched to the flood-affected region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences for the victims of the flash floods, stating that he had been briefed about the tragedy by Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.

The following helpline numbers have also been issued by the Uttarkashi district administration:

01374-222126

01374-222722

9456556431

ALSO READ | Uttarkashi flash floods: Shocking video shows houses washed away, people screaming | WATCH

Viral videos showed the floodwater—carrying silt and debris—flowing down slopes and causing destruction in the Dharali village area. The horrific screams of the locals can also be heard in the video, posted earlier.

Many villagers have been trapped. A local, Rajesh Panwar, told PTI that as many as 10-12 workers have been feared dead after being buried alive under debris, and that 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away.

India