Uttarkashi cloudburst: 70 rescued so far, over 50 still missing; choppers deployed

NEW DELHI: Rescue operations are underway in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district where at least 70 civilians have been rescued following flash floods and landslides near Harshil and Dharali. Over 50 people still missing, while one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and eight Army Jawans remain unaccounted for, news agency ANI reported on Thursday.Nine Army personnel and three civilians were airlifted to Dehradun as part of the rescue efforts. Three critically injured civilians were transported to AIIMS Rishikesh by ambulance, while eight others are receiving treatment at the District Hospital in Uttarkashi.The Indian Army has confirmed the recovery of two bodies from the affected areas. Senior Army officials, including the Army Commander of Central Command and the General Officer Commanding of Uttar Bharat Area, are supervising rescue operations on the ground.Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the affected areas in Dharali to assess the situation. He later met with evacuees at the Matli Helipad in Uttarkashi district and assured them of all possible assistance from the state government.The Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are providing food, shelter, and medical care to approximately 180-200 tourists stranded in Gangotri. By 10 AM, 61 people had been airlifted to ITBP's Matli base camp.A comprehensive action plan for the next 24 to 48 hours includes airlifting para troops and medical teams to Harsil using Chinook helicopters. NDRF personnel and medics will be transported to Nelong via Mi-17 helicopters, with plans to evacuate tourists during return flights.The Chief of Staff, Central Command, is coordinating with Central Air Command to ensure smooth helicopter operations. Efforts are also underway to restore road access between Uttarkashi and Tekla.Multiple agencies including the Army, ITBP, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police are working continuously on evacuation and relief efforts. The Uttarakhand government has confirmed that arrangements have been made to help evacuees return to their respective destinations.Chief Minister Dhami also engaged with administration personnel, NDRF, and SDRF teams who are preparing for additional rescue missions in the region.