Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Uttarkashi district on Wednesday to take stock of rescue and relief efforts following devastating cloudbursts in the region.
After landing at the Joshiyada helipad, the Chief Minister conducted an on-ground assessment of the affected areas and ongoing high-intensity rescue operations involving the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, and local volunteers.
So far, 130 people have been rescued despite major logistical hurdles caused by damaged roads and a collapsed bridge. The Disaster Operations Station in Dehradun is functioning round-the-clock to support the mission.
“All our agencies, including the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF and locals, are doing the rescue work. 130 people were rescued yesterday. A search and rescue operation is underway. Due to damage to the roads and a bridge, it has become difficult to reach the spot. The Disaster Operations Station in Dehradun is working 24 hours to provide all possible assistance. We are putting in efforts to rescue everyone safely. I want to thank PM Modi for providing every possible assistance. PM Modi took the details of the rescue operation today as well...,” CM Dhami said.
Reinforcements have been mobilised, including police and medical teams. “10 DSP, 3 SP and around 160 police officials are engaged in carrying out rescue operations... Helicopters of the Indian Army are also ready. As soon as the weather improves, the helicopters will be used for rescue operations. Food packets, a team of doctors have been prepared. The work to restore electricity is also underway. Mobile network is not available in Dharali as of now. We are trying to reach the people. We are putting in efforts to rescue everyone safely,” he added.
Two cloudbursts, reported in Dharali and Sukhi Top, triggered flash floods and landslides that damaged homes, shops, and roads. Dharali witnessed the most severe impact. The Uttarkashi-Harsil road was blocked in several stretches, and the road at Bhatwadi was completely washed away. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to restore connectivity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to CM Dhami to get updates on the situation. “I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and obtained information about the situation,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured full central support and directed the NDRF and ITBP to intensify rescue operations. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also spoke to CM Dhami and extended support.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for more heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand’s hilly regions. Relief operations are ongoing, as authorities continue efforts to locate missing persons and restore essential services.