In the wake of devastating cloudbursts and flash floods in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, the Indian Army has launched a massive rescue and relief operation, deploying 150 personnel led by Colonel Harshvardhan, the Commanding Officer of the 14 Rajputana Rifles (RAJRIF). The operation began in full force on August 5 as torrential rains triggered landslides and mudslides, leaving a trail of destruction across villages including Dharali and Sukhi Top.
The Surya Command, or Central Command of the Indian Army, confirmed via an official statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Colonel Harshvardhan is personally leading his troops in critical operations. “Inputs from the CO have been received, reassuring the citizens of the Army’s continued efforts to rescue all survivors,” the post stated, highlighting the commitment and real-time communication from ground zero.
As part of the intensified efforts, the Army has mobilized an array of advanced resources, including Army tracker dogs, surveillance and logistics drones, and earthmoving equipment to locate and rescue those trapped under debris and to clear vital access routes. Additional Army columns have also been sent to supplement the operations in the affected regions.
The Indian Air Force has joined the mission, assisting with helicopters for air-dropping essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medicines. These aircraft are also being prepared to evacuate residents who have been stranded in isolated locations due to road collapses and overflowing rivers. In several parts of Uttarkashi, villagers have been moved to higher ground as a preventive measure, considering the rising water levels and continuous rainfall.
According to the Uttarakhand government, over 130 people have been rescued so far. However, the full extent of the damage remains unclear as the weather continues to hamper access and visibility in some remote regions. The State Emergency Operation Centre is maintaining constant coordination with local authorities, including the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), to ensure timely updates and mobilization of support.
The double blow of cloudbursts—one hitting Dharali village and the other striking the Sukhi Top area—has caused massive devastation, with homes, shops, and roads swept away in violent currents of water and sludge. Dharali has emerged as one of the worst-hit areas, where shocking visuals captured residents scrambling for safety as thick torrents tore through their homes without warning.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarkashi, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall along with lightning and thunderstorms. More concerning, however, is the red alert now active across several other districts in the state, including Tehri Garhwal, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Uddham Singh Nagar, Champawat, Almora, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. These alerts signal the heightened risk of further cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides across the already vulnerable Himalayan terrain.
The situation has prompted high-level monitoring by both the Centre and the state government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, assuring full support and resources. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reviewed the situation, emphasizing that all rescue measures must continue with urgency.
As monsoon-related disasters become increasingly frequent and destructive in Uttarakhand, this incident underscores the urgent need for advanced disaster preparedness in hill states. Authorities continue to urge residents and tourists alike to avoid riverbanks and unstable slopes, and to heed government advisories as rainfall persists.
This news is sourced from the web media coming from international news websites.
