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Uttarkashi flash floods: 43 still missing in Dharali, says official; heavy rain hampers rescue efforts
Nearly a week after the devastating flash flood in Dharali, officials on Monday (11 August) confirmed for the first time that 43 people remain missing, including nine Army personnel, The Times of India reported.
The officials also warned that 'heavy to very heavy' rain forecast for Uttarkashi and nearby districts until 15 August could trigger fresh landslides and flooding, further hampering search and relief operations.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said locating those trapped under debris remains the administration's top priority. A joint team comprising the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and geologists has been operating in the disaster-hit area, where unstable slopes and damaged roads have made even short journeys arduous.
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'Among the missing are nine Army personnel, eight Dharali residents, five people from neighbouring villages, and others from Tehri, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal,' Pandey said. Contact has been re-established with five of the 29 missing Nepali workers, but the rest are still unaccounted for. Two bodies have been recovered so far.
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Uttarkashi cloudburst: Rescue efforts intensified amid ongoing challenges; 5 dead and many still missing
Around 300 residents have chosen to remain in Dharali despite the constant movement of relief vehicles, while others have relocated to Uttarkashi or Dehradun. So far, 1,278 people, including all stranded visitors and locals without means to leave, have been evacuated.
Road restoration is progressing slowly due to adverse weather. A Bailey bridge at Limchagaad has been completed, restoring an important link, and heavy machinery has been deployed along the damaged stretch between Dabrani and Sonagad. However, during one operation, a Pokland excavator slipped into the swollen Bhagirathi river while clearing debris. The driver was reportedly swept away and remains missing.
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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
'Trapped within 2 minutes': Victim recounts horror as Kishtwar cloudburst kills 60; several survivors say it felt like blast
KISHTWAR: Victims of the Kishtwar cloudburst recounted scenes of sudden chaos as a flash flood swept through Chesoti village along the Machail Mata Yatra route in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The disaster has so far claimed at least 60 lives, injured over 100, and left many missing, with rescue operations still underway. One survivor recalled that the cloudburst struck with a blast-like sound, and within two minutes, around four feet of debris and water engulfed the area, trapping several people. "We were right there. suddenly there was a blast-like sound, and after the cloudburst, we started to evacuate, but within 2 minutes, there was 4 feet of debris. We managed to rescue some people, but others got trapped. We were 11 members; we are safe, but my daughter and my wife were trapped in the debris, and now they are stable." he said. Another survivor described being caught in the flash flood, "A lot of people were dead and many were injured. I was amid the waters when a policeman helped me and brought me to the hospital. My sister is missing right now." A third victim said, "Suddenly, there was a sound like a bomb exploding, and everyone started shouting, 'Run, run.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo As I started to run, I got trapped in the debris, and an electricity pole fell on me. After that, I called out to my daughter, and she pulled me out from there.". Vishal Mehra, a devotee from Jammu who had come for the Machail Mata Yatra, said, "We were returning after the darshan and had stopped at Chesoti. A part of our group was a little behind. We were having tea, and as soon as we finished, Army personnel told us to run from there. We rushed, but we got trapped in the debris." "My sister and nephew are missing. There has been a massive loss. It felt like a sudden blast, and we could not act in time," he said. "When the cloud burst, we were flown away and I was stuck under a car. My mother was under an electricity pole. Administration took quick action, and the vehicles of the army and the CRPF arrived immediately, " another victim recalled. The cloudburst hit Chesoti village in Paddar, along the Machail Mata Yatra route, around 11 am on Thursday, as a large number of devotees were present. J&K Leader of Opposition and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma called it "a very big disaster". "There was a huge rush here as devotees in large numbers participated in the Machail Mata Yatra. There has been a huge loss. 42 bodies have been is a very big disaster. I am hopeful that tomorrow, if the weather allows, rescue operations will be carried out through helicopter services, " he said. Relief operations are ongoing in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other civilian agencies. The White Knight Corps has deployed more than five columns, each comprising 60 personnel along with medical detachments, to assist in rescuing the missing individuals. "Over five columns of 60 personnel each and medical detachments of the White Knight Corps are on the ground, working tirelessly in consonance with JKP, SDRF, and other civilian agencies to save lives & assist those in need. Search for missing underway with medical aid & support reaching affected families. Relief operations continue," the White Knight Corps said in a post on X. Kishtwar additional superintendent of police Pradeep Singh said that multiple agencies—including J-K Police, SDRF, Fire Services, CISF, CRPF, and the Army—are actively involved in the ongoing rescue operations. "45 have been confirmed dead, while over 100 injured have been shifted (for treatment). Many people are still feared missing. We will update as more missing people or dead bodies are found. Ambulance and local people are also working shoulder to shoulder with the police for the rescue operation. 8-10 of the deceased people were identified, and the identification process is going on, " he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Hans India
14 hours ago
- Hans India
45 killed, 120 injured rescued in J&K cloudburst; ops continue to search for missing people
As many as 45 people were killed and 120 were injured in the massive cloudburst that hit Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Kishtwar district, as the authorities continued the relief and rescue operations on Friday. The massive cloudburst hit Chashoti area of Kishtwar's Paddar sub-division on Thursday killing at least 45 people including two CISF personnel and many Machail Mata pilgrims. Officials said over 120 injured have been rescued while the condition of 35 of the injured has been described as serious by doctors. Officials confirmed that many people are still missing and apprehensions are that some of the missing could be under the cloudburst debris. The joint rescue operation was launched immediately after the cloudburst by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, Army and local volunteers and the authorities have mobilised more rescuers, including two fresh teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to safeguard lives. Over 300 soldiers have been deployed for the rescue operation by the Army. Chashoti is the last motorable village on the road to Machail Mata temple. A large number of people had assembled for the Machail Mata Yatra when the disaster struck. The Yatra started on July 25 and would end on September 5. The Yatra has been suspended because of the tragedy that struck the area. Dozens of homes, 6 government buildings, 3 temples, cowsheds and a bridge were washed away by the cloudburst downstream. A 'langar' (community kitchen) set up for the devotees has borne the brunt of the cloudburst, which led to flashfloods and washed away several structures including temporary shops and a security outpost. Reports said the community kitchen was packed with devotees when the tragedy struck. MoS (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh said on X, 'A massive cloudburst in Chashoti area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site'. The minister spoke to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner on the matter and was in constant touch with the Administration. Chief minister, Omar Abdullah said, 'In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar, I have taken the decision to cancel the 'At Home' tea party tomorrow evening.' Omar Abdullah added that the government has decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. 'The formal events - speech, march past etc will go ahead as planned,' the Chief Minister informed. Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha said, 'Anguished by cloudburst in Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for quick recovery of injured. 'Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected. 'Rescue and Relief Operations at Chashoti are in full swing. Men and machinery have been put at the site. Other teams have also been rushed. 'Briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on rescue and relief operations by various agencies. He has assured all possible assistance. 'I want to assure all the affected families that the Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this hour of crisis. Air Force has also been alerted for evacuation. I am constantly monitoring the situation'. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Sunil Kumar Sharma said he had received information from his workers that a massive cloudburst has occurred. 'At the moment, I don't think anyone has exact figures but I believe there could be significant damage in the area,' he said, Both Sunil Sharma (MLA Paddar) and MLA Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar also visited the spot to supervise the rescue operations. They also shared the grief of the people who lost their dear ones in the natural calamity. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma said that the Yatra to the Machail Mata shrine was suspended following the tragedy as the authorities mobilised all resources for rescue operations at Chashoti. He said teams of the NDRF were rushed from Udhampur to Kishtwar. 118 RCC of BRO also rushed its men and machinery to the area and joined the operation to clear the damaged Chashoti road and raise a temporary bridge. Deputy Commissioner and SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh are supervising the rescue operation on the spot. An official said that till late night, 11 dead bodies could be identified and 67 injured were shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar while some serious patients were being further referred to Jammu. The deceased include Meenakshi, daughter of Balbir Kumar from Pancheri in Udhampur, Ramesh Kumar from Dhandyal in Udhampur; Anand Kumar, son of Gopi Chand from Hauz Khas Delhi, Palak Sharma, daughter of Neeraj Sharma from Narwal Jammu, Neha Devi resident of Ward No. 4 Gomanasan, Arushi Devi and Sharda residents of Assar, Amit Kumar Sharma, son of Thouru Ram from Akhnoor, Sunil Kumar, son of Parshotam Dass from Barmeen (Udh); Bimla Devi, wife of late Suraj Parkash from Bajarni Doda and Monika Mehra, wife of Ajay Mehra resident of Jammu. Seriously injured Pushpa Devi, resident of Roopnagar Jammu died while being shifted to Jammu from Kishtwar hospital. Critical health infrastructure was reinforced at Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Paddar with an additional deployment of 13 doctors and 31 paramedics. Seniors officers of the health department are stationed at Paddar overseeing rescue and medical operations. District Hospital (DH) Kishtwar has been augmented with the additional deployment of General Surgeons, Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Anaesthetists from Government Medical College (GMC) Doda. Additionally tertiary care institutions have been put in a state of full readiness. A team comprising of specialists has been readied at Doda to manage patients being referred from DH Kishtwar. Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu is in full operational readiness with 50 dedicated disaster beds, 20 ventilator beds, and 5 Operation Theatres (OTs). Specialist medical teams comprising of Orthopaedicians, Neurosurgeons, Critical Care Anaesthetists, Maxillo-facial consultants are on standby. The GMC Jammu Blood Bank has been augmented with 200 plus units of blood available for any exigency. To assist in the response to the situation, PGIMER Chandigarh has dispatched a specialised team comprising Critical Care Specialists and Neurosurgeons to GMC Jammu to further enhance critical care patient care capabilities. Immediately following the incident, a large fleet of 65 ambulances from the Health department, NHPC, Army, CRPF and 108 Emergency Service of the J&K Health and Medical Education department was deployed for rescue and patient transfer.
NDTV
21 hours ago
- NDTV
Mountaineers Trek To Recover Chinese Climber's Body From K2 Peak
Pakistan: A team of mountaineers set off on foot Thursday to recover the body of a Chinese climber from the world's second-highest peak after bad weather grounded helicopter flights, a Pakistani official said. Guan Jing was struck by falling rocks on Tuesday while descending K2, a day after reaching its summit with a group in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. She died on the mountain, known for its treacherous slopes, frequent rockfalls, and extreme weather conditions, according to Faizullah Faraq, a local government spokesperson. He said her body lies between 100 and 150 meters (328 to 492 feet) above the advanced base camp at about 5,400 meters (17,716 feet) and has not yet been retrieved. K2 rises 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level and is widely regarded as one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks to climb, with a far higher fatality rate than Mount Everest. "The weather is currently not suitable for a helicopter flight, which is why the body has not yet been brought down" from the mountain, he said. Faraq said Jing was part of an expedition organised by a Nepali company. He said a Nepali Sherpa, Jangbu, was sent on Wednesday to recover her body but was injured on the way and stranded. The Nepali was later rescued by helicopter and transferred to Skardu Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment. Deadly incidents are common on K2, where steep gradients, thin air and sudden storms can turn even routine descents into life-threatening ordeals. The latest death comes two weeks after German mountaineer and Olympic gold medalist, Laura Dahlmeier, died while attempting another peak in the region. Efforts to retrieve her body were abandoned when Dahlmeier's family informed authorities that she had stated that no one should risk their life to recover her body if she died in any accident.
