Uttarakhand flash floods highlights: 4 dead, around 100 missing, including army jawans

The Chamoli Police informed in a post on X that a road has been blocked near Paagalnala and Bhanerpani on Badrinath National Highway (NH-58) due to debris. It said that efforts are underway to remove the debris and make the road operational again.

Another cloudburst has struck Uttarkashi's Sukhi Top near Dharali, the district administration said. The ITBP team is currently compassing the Harsil region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and took stock of the situation in Uttarkashi.

"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," he said in a post on X.

The Indian Army said that 15-20 persons have been successfully evacuated so far. Injured individuals are receiving medical treatment at the Indian Army medical facility in Harshil.

Top officials, including the principal secretary to chief minister and the commissioner of Garhwal division, are monitoring the situation at the State Disaster Operations in Uttarakhand's Dehradun.

Uttarkashi cloudburst LIVE: Before and after picture of Dharali in Harsil, which has been hit by a cloudburst, have surfaced, showing the level of devastation.

The Indian Army said that a landslide occurred near Dharali village around 4 kilometer from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil at around 1:45 pm.

"Responding with urgency, the Indian Army mobilised 150 personnel who reached the site within 10 minutes and immediately commenced rescue operations. So far, 15–20 individuals have been successfully evacuated, with the injured receiving prompt medical treatment at the Indian Army medical facility in Harshil," the Army said in a statement.

It further noted that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to locate and evacuate any remaining stranded persons.

"The situation is under continuous monitoring, and the Indian Army remains fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected civilians," it added.

At least 4 people have been killed in the flash floods triggered by a massive cloudburst in the high altitude villages of Dharali in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported, citing officials.

Union home minister Amit Shah posted on X, "Spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi) to gather information about the event. Three nearby ITBP teams have been sent there, and four NDRF teams have also been dispatched to the site, which will soon arrive and engage in rescue operations."

RK Sudhanshu, principal secretary to chief minister, told news agency ANI, "The District Magistrate and SP have both left for the spot. There is a possibility of loss of life and property. We have sent SDRF as well as NDRF, and we are doing an assessment first, and as soon as we come to know the level of damage, action will be taken accordingly."

Vinay Shankar Pandey, Commissioner Garhwal Mandal, told news agency ANI that several properties have been damaged in the cloudburst-triggered flash floods.

However, he said that "it is not possible to say anything about the casualties right now".

"Our army team, which is in Harsil, has reached the spot. Along with this, the District Magistrate, SSP, is also going to reach there. NDRF, SDRF have also been moved there. The first priority is to rescue the people. For this, the entire team of the Health Department have all been activated...Arrangements for all these things are being made," he added.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said that three teams of its force, one each from Manera, Batkot and Dehradun have been dispatched to the cloudburst site.

It added that two teams are also ready at Shashtradhar airstrip for airlift.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Force said that a 16-member team from its force has arrived at the cloudburst site in Uttarkashi to join the rescue operations.

It said that another team of ITBP's 12th Battalion has also been rushed from Uttarakhand's Matli to arrive at the site.

Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, taking stock of the situation on the heavy damage caused by the cloudburst in Dharali, news agency ANI reported.

Both ITBP and NDRF teams have been reportedly directed to reach the site.

Arun Mohan Joshi, SDRF IG, told news agency ANI that the nearest unit has already reached the spot, adding that two other units are about to reach.

"Rescue work is being done in a coordinated manner. The nearby NDRF, Army teams are also reaching the spot. Specialised equipment in our SDRF battalion headquarters, which can be used in this disaster, is also being sent... Whether it is the Army, ITBP, or NDRF, all the teams are reaching the spot, and rescue is being done in a coordinated manner," he added.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern over the cloudburst in Uttarkashi's Dharali and said that he is closely monitoring the situation in the region.

"The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety," Dhami posted on X.

The Indian Army's Surya Command noted that a massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area, triggering a flow of debris and water through the settlement.

"Troops of Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold," they added.

Uttarkashi police took to X to post an update on the situation and said, "due to the rising water level of Kheer Gad in the Harsil area, reports of damage in Dharali have prompted police, SDRF, army, and other disaster response teams to engage in relief and rescue operations at the site."

"In view of this incident, everyone should maintain a safe distance from the river. Ensure that you, children, and livestock are kept at a safe distance from the river," they added.

A massive cloudburst in Uttarkashi's Dharali area in Uttarakhand on Tuesday triggered flash floods, with the raging waters washing away several houses and villages. Several people are reportedly missing after being washed away by the floods.