Latest news with #SuryaCommand
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Six days after Uttarkashi cloudburst, 9 Army soldiers still missing
Uttarkashi: Six days after a devastating mudslide struck an Indian Army camp in Harsil in the aftermath of a cloudburst in Dharali, there is still no sign of the nine soldiers who went missing while engaged in search and rescue operations. The Indian Army has confirmed that the missing personnel include one Junior Commissioned Officer and one Non-Commissioned Officer. In a post on X, the Surya Command of the Indian Army stated, "One Junior Commissioned Officer, one Non Commissioned Officer and seven soldiers of the Indian Army, while carrying out Search & Rescue for victims of the flash flood at Dharali on 05 Aug 2025, were struck by a second mudslide and are still feared missing." The tragedy occurred on August 5 when a cloudburst in Uttarkashi's Dharali triggered a flash flood that swept away an entire village, leaving several missing. The disaster occurred just 4 kilometres from the Army camp in Harsil. The Indian Army, acting as the first responder, mobilised 150 personnel to the disaster site within 10 minutes to initiate rescue and relief operations. However, a subsequent mudslide struck the Harsil camp soon after, sweeping away the area and the nine soldiers. The Army expressed hope for their safe return, adding, "They went to save lives with selfless courage and devotion to duty. We pray with folded hands for their safe return to their families, brothers and the Nation they serve." Despite their own men being missing, the Army has remained deeply involved in relief efforts in the affected region. A total of 1,273 stranded people have been airlifted from Dharali to safer locations. The Indian Air Force and Army aviation units deployed Chinook, MI-17, and ALH helicopters for evacuation missions and to deliver essential relief supplies, including food, medical kits, fuel, solar lights, blankets, and hygiene items, to remote and affected communities. Electricity and telecom services were restored by August 8, with wireless emergency communication systems set up in inaccessible areas. Road clearance work and the construction of a Bailey bridge at Limchagad were prioritised to restore crucial connectivity. The Indian Army's Bengal Engineers Group (BEG), including the police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), worked tirelessly in challenging conditions and heavy rainfall to build the Bailey bridge. Search, medical, and communication teams also joined the mission, leading to the completion of the 90-foot Bailey bridge at 5 P.M. on Sunday. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Army engineers constructed the bridge, which stands on the Gangotri National Highway, spanning the Limchagad between Gangnani and Dharali. With a load capacity of nearly 50 tonnes, it has provided a significant boost to ongoing relief and rescue operations in the difficult Himalayan terrain.
India.com
2 days ago
- General
- India.com
Uttarakhand: Six Days After Uttarkashi Cloudburst, 9 Army Soldiers Still Missing
UTTARKASHI: Six days after a devastating mudslide struck an Indian Army camp in Harsil in the aftermath of a cloudburst in Dharali, there is still no sign of the nine soldiers who went missing while engaged in search and rescue operations. The Indian Army has confirmed that the missing personnel include one Junior Commissioned Officer and one Non-Commissioned Officer. In a post on X, the Surya Command of the Indian Army stated, "One Junior Commissioned Officer, one Non Commissioned Officer and seven soldiers of the Indian Army, while carrying out Search & Rescue for victims of the flash flood at Dharali on 05 Aug 2025, were struck by a second mudslide and are still feared missing." The tragedy occurred on August 5 when a cloudburst in Uttarkashi's Dharali triggered a flash flood that swept away an entire village, leaving several missing. The disaster occurred just 4 kilometres from the Army camp in Harsil. The Indian Army, acting as the first responder, mobilised 150 personnel to the disaster site within 10 minutes to initiate rescue and relief operations. However, a subsequent mudslide struck the Harsil camp soon after, sweeping away the area and the nine soldiers. The Army expressed hope for their safe return, adding, "They went to save lives with selfless courage and devotion to duty. We pray with folded hands for their safe return to their families, brothers and the Nation they serve." Despite their own men being missing, the Army has remained deeply involved in relief efforts in the affected region. A total of 1,273 stranded people have been airlifted from Dharali to safer locations. The Indian Air Force and Army aviation units deployed Chinook, MI-17, and ALH helicopters for evacuation missions and to deliver essential relief supplies, including food, medical kits, fuel, solar lights, blankets, and hygiene items, to remote and affected communities. Electricity and telecom services were restored by August 8, with wireless emergency communication systems set up in inaccessible areas. Road clearance work and the construction of a Bailey bridge at Limchagad were prioritised to restore crucial connectivity. The Indian Army's Bengal Engineers Group (BEG), including the police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), worked tirelessly in challenging conditions and heavy rainfall to build the Bailey bridge. Search, medical, and communication teams also joined the mission, leading to the completion of the 90-foot Bailey bridge at 5 P.M. on Sunday. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Army engineers constructed the bridge, which stands on the Gangotri National Highway, spanning the Limchagad between Gangnani and Dharali. With a load capacity of nearly 50 tonnes, it has provided a significant boost to ongoing relief and rescue operations in the difficult Himalayan terrain.
UPI
05-08-2025
- Climate
- UPI
Four dead, many believed buried in cloudburst in India
At least four people have been killed and dozens are missing after flooding in India. Photo by State Disaster Response Force Uttarkashi/EPA Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Four people are dead and several more are believed to be trapped under debris after a cloudburst struck the Indian state of Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The severe weather event triggered flash floods and a mudslide that swept over Dharali village in the catchment area of Kheer Ganga river, in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. "Due to the heavy rainfall/cloudburst disaster in the Harshil, Dharali area, the town of Dharali has suffered significant loss of life and property," Uttarkashi Police posted to X. Residents of the village had no warning as a torrent of sludge slammed into the village, knocking some buildings down and blanketing others. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the four deaths and also noted that there are several hotels, restaurants and small guest houses in the impacted area. "Continuous rain is occurring in Uttarkashi district, please exercise caution," Uttarkashi Police further posted. "Do not go near rivers and streams." "For safety, evacuate dangerous areas near the Bhagirathi River and stay in a safe place," the post continued. Uttarkashi Police reported the cloudburst also affected the villages of Harshil and Dharali, and that the level of the Bhagirathi River, as well as other area rivers and streams, continue to increase. The Central Command, or Surya Command, of the Indian Army has since begun rescue operations, and its Ibex Brigade, which specializes in operations in mountainous areas, has been sent to the impacted area. "Troops of [Ibex Brigade] were immediately mobilized and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations," Surya Command posted to social media. "Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold." "More than 20 civilians have been safely evacuated," the Indian Army's Directorate General of Public Information reported Tuesday. "The injured are receiving timely and effective medical attention at the Indian Army's medical facility in Harshil." The Indian government's Meteorological Department put out a press release Monday that warned "heavy to very heavy rainfall" is expected to fall in Uttarakhand over the next three days and that "isolated heavy rainfall" is predicted for Uttarakhand through Sunday.
Hindustan Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Indian Army to host Surya Dronathon 2025 from Aug 10
The Surya Command of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India, is set to host the Surya Dronathon 2025, a pioneering drone competition that will bring together talented freelancers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from across the country. The Surya Dronathon 2025 aims to harness cutting-edge indigenous technology and foster a robust ecosystem of innovation in the defence sector, aligning with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and the Indian Army's quest for technological advancement. (Representative) This event is scheduled to take place in Spiti Valley at Sumdo, Himachal Pradesh, where participants will face one of the highest drone obstacle courses in the country, situated at an altitude of 10,700 feet. The Surya Dronathon 2025 aims to harness cutting-edge indigenous technology and foster a robust ecosystem of innovation in the defence sector, aligning with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and the Indian Army's quest for technological advancement. The key objectives of the competition include promoting indigenous research, development and manufacturing of advanced drone systems within India, identifying next-generation solutions to address current and future operational requirements, and fostering collaboration between the Indian Army, individual innovators, startups, and established defence manufacturers. The competition will feature multiple stages, including Obstacle Negotiation, Endurance Race etc. The competition will be held in two phases - Phase 1: August 10-15, 2025 and Phase 2: August 20-24, 2025. Participation is open to Category I: Service Teams; Category II: Freelancers/Open and Category III: OEM. The last date for online registration is August 1, 2025. The Surya Dronathon 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in the Indian defence sector, fostering innovation and collaboration between the military and the industry. This initiative by the Indian Army underscores its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance national security and promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Surya Dronathon 2025: Come August, drones from across India to face off in Spiti
Shimla: The Surya Command of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India, is set to host a drone competition at Sumdo in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley — 'Surya Dronathon 2025'. Participants will face one of the highest drone obstacle courses in the country, situated at an altitude of 10,700 feet, from Aug 10 to 24. The event will bring together talented freelancers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from across the country. The key objectives of the competition include promoting indigenous research, development, and manufacturing of advanced drone systems within India, identifying next-generation solutions to address current and future operational requirements, and fostering collaboration between the Army, individual innovators, startups, and established defence manufacturers. The last date for online registration is Aug 1. The Surya Dronathon 2025 aims to harness cutting-edge indigenous technology and foster a robust ecosystem of innovation in the defence sector, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Army's quest for technological advancement. By encouraging the development of advanced drone solutions tailored to meet the evolving operational requirements of the Army, the competition will serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing novel designs, technological breakthroughs, and innovative military applications of drone technology. The competition will feature multiple stages, including obstacle negotiation and an endurance race, and it will be held in two phases — first from Aug 10 to 15 and second from Aug 20 to 24.
