‘Over 225 troops, helicopters, specialised engineer and medical teams, deployed on ground’
Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi: DD, The Indian Army has significantly intensified its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the cloudburst, affected region of Dharali near Harsil, Uttarakhand.
Over 225 troops, including specialised engineer and medical teams, are on ground conducting rescue and relief tasks under extremely challenging conditions.
Rescue efforts are being actively supported by drones for aerial reconnaissance and locating stranded individuals in inaccessible areas.
Two helipads at Harsil and Nelong are operational, enabling rapid troop induction and casualty evacuation. With multiple road breaches reported at Bartwari, Linchigad, Gangrani and near Dharali, Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters are positioned at Dehradun for airlift operations, while an ad-hoc aviation base is being established at Matli Helipad.
Recco radar teams, search-and-rescue dogs, and five civil helicopters operating from Sahastradhara continue to augment efforts, leading to the rescue of 70 civilians so far.
Despite adverse weather and terrain, the Indian Army, in close coordination with the state administration, SDRF, ITBP and local police, remains fully committed to round-the-clock operations.
Three civilian fatalities have been confirmed, over 50 remain missing, and 9 Army personnel (1 JCO and 8 OR) are feared missing following extensive damage to an Army post.
Casualty evacuations to Dehradun and AIIMS Rishikesh have been executed, and eight civilians have been admitted to the District Hospital at Uttarkashi.
Approximately 180–200 tourists stranded at Gangotri are being provided food, shelter and medical support by the Army and ITBP.
With Lt Gen Sengupta, Army Commander Central Command and GOC UB Area present at Dharali, and seamless coordination underway with HQ Central Air Command, every possible effort is being made to ensure the safe evacuation and care of all affected.
The Indian Army stands firm with the people of Uttarakhand in this hour of need.