AMN / WEB DESK
A cloudburst struck Dharali village in the Harsil region of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, this afternoon, causing the Kheer Ganga river to swell suddenly and trigger a devastating flash flood. Heavy debris in the Dharali market area has led to severe damage to buildings, hotels, and shops, according to the District Emergency Operations Center.
So far, four people have been confirmed dead, and several others are reported missing. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing, with teams from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and district administration actively involved.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts
- Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with senior officials. He confirmed that people are being relocated to safer areas on a priority basis, and all necessary support systems have been activated, including:
- Contact with the Indian Air Force for aerial support.
- Beds reserved at nearby government hospitals and AIIMS Rishikesh.
- Ambulances deployed, and local residents evacuated as a precaution.
- Ongoing coordination from the State Emergency Operations Center in Dehradun.
- Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, IBEX Brigade Commander, stated that search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with all available resources mobilized to locate and aid stranded individuals.
National Leadership Reactions
- President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences to the affected families and wished for the success of rescue efforts via a social media post.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CM Dhami, assured full support, and stated that rescue operations are being carried out under the state’s supervision. He extended prayers for the well-being of those affected.
- Home Minister Amit Shah also reviewed the situation with CM Dhami. He confirmed that three ITBP teams and four NDRF teams have been dispatched for rescue efforts.
Helpline Numbers Issued
District Emergency Operations Center – Haridwar
- 📞 01374-222722
- 📱 7310913129, 7500737269
- ☎️ Toll-Free: 1077
State Emergency Operations Center – Dehradun
- 📞 0135-2710334, 2710335
- 📱 8218867005, 9058441404
- ☎️ Toll-Free: 1070