Search Operations Continue In Uttarakhand’s Dharali Days After Cloudburst; Many Still Unaccounted For
Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarakhand’s Dharali village, days after a devastating cloudburst and flash floods hit the region. Despite challenging weather conditions, authorities continue to search for those reported missing, with over 380 people evacuated so far.
According to Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, a total of 382 individuals have been rescued as of Thursday. The evacuation and relief efforts are being conducted in three major directions, he told ANI.
“We evacuated nearly 382 people yesterday. Our teams are operating in three directions — evacuating stranded pilgrims in Gangotri, restoring road links, and clearing debris while searching for the missing in Dharali, which is the worst-affected,” he said.
The enumeration of damaged public and private property is also underway. However, bad weather continues to obstruct the deployment of Chinook and Mi-series helicopters, hampering aerial rescue missions.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Oversees Relief Work
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Uttarkashi to take stock of the relief and rescue efforts. On Thursday, he chaired a review meeting with officials at the Disaster Control Room.
In a post on X, the CM emphasized the need for extra care towards women, children, and the elderly and said that the pace of rescue operations had been increased.
Cloudbursts in Dharali and Sukhi Top Lead to Widespread Damage
The twin cloudbursts on August 5 — one in Dharali and the other near Sukhi Top — triggered severe flooding and destruction, particularly in the higher-altitude areas of the state. A video that emerged from the scene showed a torrent of water demolishing nearby houses and hotels.
At least five people have lost their lives, and several remain missing.
151 Tourists From Maharashtra Stranded; 31 Still Missing
The Maharashtra government is actively coordinating with Uttarakhand authorities after 151 tourists from the state were caught in the disaster. So far, 120 tourists have been contacted, and they are reportedly safe at an ITBP camp.
Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, requesting continued assistance in locating the remaining 31 tourists and ensuring their safe return.
13 Nepalese Nationals Also Missing
At least 13 citizens from Nepal have gone missing in Dharali. They are believed to be residents of Kushe Rural Municipality in Jajarkot district, as per a statement from its chairman Harishchandra Basnet.
Basnet has urged the Nepal government and its Foreign Ministry to initiate diplomatic measures to expedite search and rescue operations for the missing Nepalese nationals.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with efforts ongoing to trace those still unaccounted for and restore normalcy in the affected regions.
