Day after Uttarkashi flash floods, over 60 still missing

ON THE SECOND day of rescue operations at Uttarakhand's Dharali, carried out primarily by the Army, forces continued to search for those missing in the aftermath of the flash floods, estimated to be over 60, as heavy rains lashed the state and several rivers breached the danger level. Two bodies were recovered during the day, and 150 people have been rescued so far.

- AISWARYA RAJ

Colonel Harshvardhan, who is leading the Army team, said the number of missing is unknown and that relief measures have continued through the night. Additional Army columns, along with tracker dogs, drones, and earthmoving equipment, have been moved ahead to supplement the resources at Harsil to hasten the efforts. Currently, the Army is undertaking the operations with digging tools such as pickaxes, crowbars, and shovels. A source said that the team has a sniffer dog, while more are being brought to the site.

Drones are also being used to locate the victims.

Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Manish Srivastava said that Air Force and Army helicopters for essential supplies, medicines and evacuation of the marooned are also being coordinated. The residents have been moved to higher reaches in view of rising water levels due to incessant rains.