The Indian Army, in close coordination with the Indian Air Force, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the civil administration, continues to spearhead large-scale rescue and relief operations in the flood and landslide-hit areas of Dharali and Harsil, Uttarakhand, under Operation Dharali.
Dharali remains completely cut off due to multiple landslides. Road clearance efforts have progressed up to Limchigad, where the launch of a Bailey Bridge is underway and is expected to be completed by today.
Clear skies over Matli and Harsil have aided rescue work, though poor visibility and rain in Dehradun temporarily delayed some planned air sorties.
“So far, 357 civilians have been rescued, including 119 airlifted to Dehradun. Rescue teams comprise Indian Army columns, combat engineers, medical units, and specialised Search and Rescue (SAR) dog squads. The NDRF has deployed 105 personnel, working alongside SDRF and ITBP teams, with medical officers positioned in Harsil and Dharali,” the Indian Army said in a statement.
Army doctors, nursing assistants, and combat medics are providing on-site treatment to evacuees at transit points. Among those rescued are 13 Army personnel. However, eight soldiers from the 14 Rajputana Rifles remain unaccounted for. The civil administration has reported around 100 civilians still missing, and two civilian fatalities have been confirmed.
Aviation assets have been critical to the mission. On August 7 alone, 68 helicopter sorties were flown – six by the Indian Air Force, seven by the Army, and 55 by civil helicopters. A heli-bridging network is operational between Dehradun, Harsil, Matli, and Dharasu ALG, supported by C-295 aircraft ferrying critical supplies, rescue teams, and stranded civilians.
To improve coordination, the Indian Army has set up a Communication Control Room at Harsil, with satellite and Wi-Fi connectivity in place. BSNL and Airtel are working to restore public mobile networks in the affected areas.
Senior military leadership – including the General Officer Commanding, Uttar Bharat Area, and the Commander, 9 (Independent) Mountain Brigade – are on the ground in Harsil to oversee operations and ensure close synergy between military and civilian agencies.
Planned actions for August 8 include launching the Bailey Bridge at Limchigad to restore vital road connectivity, airlifting critical relief materials and equipment, continuing search operations in Harsil and nearby areas, and evacuating remaining stranded civilians to Matli and Dehradun.
(ANI)