Indian Army Steps Up Flood Response in Uttarakhand

Over 225 Personnel Engaged; Helicopter Support and Relief Infrastructure in Use

Situation Update: Severe Disruption to Roads and Infrastructure

Flood-affected areas near Harsil, Uttarakhand, face significant challenges. Places like Dharali, Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani are particularly affected. The situation is due to damaged roads and infrastructure. This damage hampers relief movement. Restoration work continues in these locations. Helipads at Harsil and Nelong are functioning. They help facilitate aerial operations. Meanwhile, the Dharali helipad remains closed after a mudslide. This closure impacts logistics.

Personnel and Equipment at Work

More than 225 Indian Army members are on the ground. They include specialists in engineering, medicine, and rescue operations. They are conducting ongoing relief work. Search teams equipped with radar and trained dogs are operating around Tekla, focusing on locating missing persons under debris. Personnel are using specialized equipment to maintain rescue efforts despite unstable terrain and adverse weather.

Ongoing Rescue Activities

Over 70 civilians have been rescued as of now. Severely injured individuals are being airlifted to Dehradun. Others are being sent to AIIMS Rishikesh for treatment. Nearly 200 tourists stranded in Gangotri are receiving food, shelter, and medical assistance from military and police teams. Drones are providing aerial surveys, and helicopters—including Chinook and Mi-17—are on standby for further evacuations. A temporary aviation base is being set up at Matli to support swift air operations.

Teamwork and Leadership

Relief efforts continue around the clock. The Indian Army is coordinating closely with State Disaster Response Force, ITBP, local law enforcement, and the state government. Senior military officials are overseeing operations at key locations. This includes Army Commander Central Command and regional commanders. They are maintaining constant communication with Central Air Command.

Also read: Unchecked Construction, Ignored Warnings: Uttarkashi Floods Triggered by Rampant Violations in Protected Zone

Casualties and Ongoing Search

Three civilian deaths have been reported. More than 50 people are still missing. Nine Army personnel are currently unaccounted for following damage to a local Army post. Search teams are actively combing the affected areas with radar and search dogs in continued efforts to locate survivors.

Army’s Assurance

The Indian Army remains committed to providing all possible assistance to the people of Uttarakhand during this challenging period. Their priority is swift rescue and relief. They will continue until all those affected are reached and accounted for. The response includes rapid deployment, aerial resources, and persistent ground operations as part of the overall humanitarian effort.

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