The Indian Air Force (IAF) continued its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations on Friday in flood-ravaged Dharali and Harsil, rescuing 123 civilians and delivering critical aid to cut-off regions.
In an official update, the IAF stated that Chinook, Mi-17 V5, and ALH helicopters evacuated civilians, airlifted National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and transported over four tonnes of essential supplies. A special telecom unit was also deployed to swiftly restore communication in the disaster zone.
Three days after the floods, a total of 566 people had been evacuated by Friday noon, with rescue efforts still underway for 300 stranded individuals. At least five people have died, and 50 remain missing. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been using advanced tools such as victim locating cameras, thermal imaging devices, and dog squads to locate survivors.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been personally overseeing relief efforts, holding review meetings with senior officials, and setting up camp offices to ensure rapid restoration of development works. He has instructed teams to prioritise access to remote areas, speedy rescue operations, and quick restoration of roads, electricity, and communication networks.
Mobile connectivity has now been restored in the disaster-hit Harsil Valley, but landslides have disrupted the Char Dham Yatra.
Meanwhile, Nepal has initiated diplomatic efforts to locate 17 of its citizens—13 from Jajarkot district and four from Bardiya—who went missing in the floods. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed condolences and confirmed that immediate discussions were underway with Indian authorities for their rescue.
In a humanitarian gesture, the Uttarakhand Finance Service Officers Association has announced that all officers will donate one day’s salary to the Chief Minister Relief Fund.
Rescue and relief operations remain in full swing, with authorities focusing on reaching stranded individuals, restoring essential services, and ensuring uninterrupted supply of relief materials to affected areas.
