Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived at Joshiyada helipad in Uttarkashi on Tuesday to personally oversee rescue and relief operations in the wake of devastating cloudbursts that triggered flash floods and landslides in the region.
Surveying the ground situation, CM Dhami reviewed an extensive high-intensity rescue operation involving the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and local volunteers. So far, 130 people have been safely rescued, despite treacherous terrain and damaged infrastructure.
“Due to damage to roads and a key bridge, it has become very difficult to reach some of the affected areas. However, our Disaster Operations Station in Dehradun is functioning 24/7, and all possible assistance is being provided. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuously monitoring the situation and providing full support,” the Chief Minister said.
He also shared that 10 DSPs, 3 SPs, and around 160 police personnel are actively participating in the operations. Army helicopters are on standby and will be deployed once the weather improves. Additionally, food packets, medical teams, and efforts to restore electricity and mobile networks are underway, especially in Dharali, one of the worst-hit areas.
The cloudburst incidents, reported in Dharali and Sukhi Top, caused extensive damage — sweeping away homes, shops, and large stretches of road. The Uttarkashi-Harsil road, particularly near Bhatwadi, was completely washed away. Heavy equipment, including JCB machines, has been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity.
Rescue teams continue to search for those feared missing amid the destruction. Dharali, which lies around 50 km from the main incident site, bore the brunt of the flash floods and mudslides.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, expressed grief over the tragedy and assured full central assistance. “I express my condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. I have spoken with CM Pushkar Dhami to get updates on the situation,” PM Modi stated.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the NDRF and ITBP to intensify rescue and relief operations and pledged all necessary support. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also spoke with CM Dhami and extended cooperation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued continued warnings for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, particularly across its hilly regions, raising concern for potential additional landslides or flash floods.
As rescue efforts intensify, the state administration remains on high alert to safeguard lives and restore normalcy in the flood-ravaged district.