Uttarakhand CM in Uttarkashi to Oversee Rescue, 130 Saved as Multi-Agency Ops Continue
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived in Uttarkashi on Wednesday to personally assess the devastation and oversee the high-intensity rescue operations following the catastrophic cloudburst that struck the region. A massive multi-agency effort involving the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, and NDRF has so far rescued 130 people, but a search continues for dozens still feared missing.
The Chief Minister surveyed the affected areas from the Joshiyada helipad before providing an update on the challenging relief efforts. “All our agencies, including the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF and locals, are doing the rescue work,” Dhami said, acknowledging the significant hurdles. “Due to damage to the roads and a bridge, it has become difficult to reach the spot.”
He noted that around 160 police officials are on the ground, and Army helicopters are on standby, ready to be deployed as soon as weather permits. Efforts are also underway to restore electricity and mobile networks, which have been down in the hardest-hit village of Dharali.
The rescue and clearance operations are in full swing after two separate cloudbursts—one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area—triggered flash floods and landslides on Tuesday, washing away homes, shops, and critical infrastructure. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear the debris blocking the vital Uttarkashi-Harsil road, which was completely washed out at Bhatwadi.
CM Dhami expressed his gratitude for the central government’s support, stating, “I want to thank PM Modi for providing every possible assistance. PM Modi took the details of the rescue operation today as well.”
The disaster has drawn attention from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have all spoken with CM Dhami, assuring him of full support and extending condolences to the affected families.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued further warnings for heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, raising concerns of more potential disasters in the hill state.
