Uttarkashi: 274 rescued as rescue ops gather pace

OVER 60 STILL MISSING

- MPOST BUREAU

DEHRADUN: With improved weather offering a temporary reprieve from days of relentless rain, rescue efforts gained momentum in the disaster-affected Dharali village and nearby regions of Uttarkashi on Thursday. More than 270 people stranded across different locations were safely evacuated with the support of Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters, including Chinooks and Mi-17s.

Authorities reported that at least four people have lost their lives in the disaster, which struck on Tuesday afternoon. Two bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, though officials have yet to confirm if they are part of the earlier toll. The Indian Army said 50 civilians remain unaccounted for, along with nine military personnel, including one junior commissioned officer. Eyewitnesses have suggested the number of missing could be higher.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are conducting ground operations, bolstered by 69 rescuers, two cadaver dogs, and a group of veterinarians. "This is a big disaster and the analysis of the damage is going on. The roads connecting Uttarkashi have been badly damaged. However, our teams are working in the affected areas to rescue the victims," said NDRF Deputy Inspector General Gambhir Singh Chauhan.