"Uttarkashi Flash Floods: 190 Rescued as Army, ITBP Lead Heroic Operations Amid Rain, Landslides"

 

Uttarkashi Flash Floods: 190 Rescued as Search Continues Amid Harsh Weather

In yet another painful reminder of nature's fury in the Himalayas, Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand witnessed devastating flash floods that swept through the region, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As rescue operations unfolded on Wednesday, around 190 people were safely evacuated from the flood-hit town of Dharali. The scene on the ground was grim, with entire areas submerged in layers of mud, debris, and slush, while families awaited news of their missing loved ones.

The flash floods, triggered by incessant rainfall over the past two days, struck with little warning. Landslides followed the floods, further complicating the rescue efforts. Roads leading into Dharali and surrounding villages were blocked by massive boulders and thick layers of mud, making access difficult for rescue teams. Despite these hurdles, rescue workers from various forces pressed on.

Tragically, two bodies were recovered from the flood-hit zone, and officials have confirmed that around 15 individuals are still unaccounted for. The scale of the damage is slowly becoming clear as teams work their way through the rubble and assess the destruction.

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation department, said that efforts were being made to maintain momentum in rescue operations despite the severe weather. Heavy rains continued to lash parts of the state, keeping rivers swollen and posing further risks to nearby areas.

What stands out in this disaster is the tireless dedication of the rescue personnel. Nearly 150 soldiers from the Rajputana Rifles, along with 12 members of the elite Ghatak battalion, are on the ground working non-stop to locate the missing and evacuate those in danger. Adding to the manpower, about 100 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel have been deployed in Dharali to support the operation.

In another show of courage and determination, 40 Army jawans have set out on foot from the Nelong Valley to reach the affected zone, battling treacherous terrain and difficult weather. A 50-member team from the Army’s medical wing has also managed to reach Tekla, bringing with them much-needed supplies and medical support for the injured and displaced.

However, nature continues to throw challenges at the rescue teams. Around 80 personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been reported stranded in Papadgadh due to landslides blocking their route. Reinforcements are on the way, with 130 more ITBP jawans expected to reach the disaster site on Thursday, conditions permitting.

The mood on the ground is a mix of despair and hope. While the loss of life and damage is heart-wrenching, the resilience shown by the rescue forces and local communities is inspiring. Temporary shelters have been set up, and essential supplies are slowly trickling in as roads begin to clear.

This calamity once again raises questions about preparedness, infrastructure in fragile mountain regions, and the growing frequency of such natural disasters in Uttarakhand. As the state battles floods and landslides nearly every monsoon, there's an urgent need for better planning, early warning systems, and sustainable development practices in ecologically sensitive zones.

For now, the focus remains on rescue and relief. With the weather forecast still predicting rain, all eyes are on the brave men and women in uniform who continue to risk their lives to save others, hoping to reunite families and bring some sense of stability back to the beautiful but battered hills of Uttarkashi.