Uttarakhand floods: At least 10 Army jawans missing; helicopters on standby for rescue operations
The missing soldiers were stationed at a camp in the lower Harsil region when the incident occurred, reported news agency ANI. Despite the tragedy hitting their own ranks, Troops joined relief operations on the ground, officials added.
The Air Force also swung into action, with Mi-17 V5, Chinook, Cheetah, and ALH helicopters on active standby at the Chandigarh air base.
IAF officials say the choppers were equipped with the necessary material and are prepared to take off as soon as weather conditions improve in the affected region.
A cloudburst in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river led to violent flash floods in the high-altitude village of Dharali, which lies en route to Gangotri. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least four people, while 10 to 12 others may be trapped under debris, local sources said.
Dharali, a key halt for travellers heading to the sacred Gangotri shrine, is home to several hotels, homestays and eateries. The floodwaters are believed to have swept away between 20 to 25 such establishments.
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Uttarkashi district magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the fatalities and added that an Army unit from Harsil has already been rushed to the site to support rescue efforts.
Resident Rajesh Panwar told PTI that the scale of destruction is unprecedented. "About 10-12 people could be buried under the debris. 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy and assured that relief efforts are under way with full force.
'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 ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,' the Prime Minister wrote on X.
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