Indian Army Intensifies Rescue and Relief Operations in Dharali (Harsil) Cloudburst-Affected Region

The Indian Army has launched a swift and coordinated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in the wake of a devastating cloudburst near Dharali, close to Harsil in Uttarakhand. The region is currently cut off from both north and south due to multiple road breaches and a collapsed bridge.

Current Deployment & Actions

• Troops Deployed: Over 225 Army personnel including infantry and engineering teams are on ground for search, rescue, and relief tasks.

• Engineer Teams: Combat engineers have reached Dharali to aid in clearing debris and restoring mobility.

Specialised Resources

• 7 teams are operating with Reeco Radar near Tekla.
• Search & Rescue Dogs are deployed at Harsil; more en route from Remount and Veterinary Centres.

Air Support

• Military helipad at Harsil is operational.
• 3 civil helicopters launched from Sahastradhara in coordination with SDRF have successfully landed at Bhatwari and Harsil for casualty evacuation and relief material delivery.
• Chinook, Mi-17, ALH helicopters are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa for troop and material airlift - awaiting tasking clearance.

Casualties & Evacuations

• Civilians Rescued: 70 persons evacuated to safety.
• Civilian Casualties: 03 confirmed fatalities, over 50 persons reportedly missing (as per Civil Administration).
•Army: 1 JCO and 8 Jawans missing.
•Evacuation by Air: 3 casualties evacuated in civil helicopters.

Damage & Accessibility

• Key road stretches near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani have been washed away, severely affecting movement.
• Civil helipad at Dharali remains non-functional due to a mudslide.

The Indian Army remains committed to assisting local administration in rescue and relief efforts under challenging terrain and weather conditions. Updates will follow as the situation evolves.