Uttarkashi Flash Floods: 70 Rescued, Over 50 Still Missing, Says Army

Rescue operations in flood-hit Uttarkashi entered their third day on Thursday (7 August), with the Army confirming that 70 people have been rescued and over 50 remain missing after Tuesday's devastating flash floods, reported The New Indian Express.

Officials reported at least four deaths, with two bodies recovered on Wednesday (6 August). The district administration airlifted 65 stranded individuals, including tourists and pilgrims, to Matli town. Buses have been arranged to help them reach their destinations.

Rescue efforts are now focused on Dharali, the worst-hit village, where many are feared trapped under 50–60 ft-high debris.

"Our priority today is to airlift advanced equipment to the spot," said SDRF IG Arun Mohan Joshi.

"Our teams coming with advanced equipment on Wednesday were held up due to blocked roads."

The Army, working with other agencies, ramped up Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Dharali and Harsil. Nine Army personnel—one JCO and eight jawans—are among the missing. Authorities airlifted nine Army men and three civilians to Dehradun; three critically injured civilians are now at AIIMS Rishikesh.

Landslides have severely disrupted roads in Bartwari, Linchigad, Harsil, Gangnani, and Dharali. Over 225 Army personnel, engineers, and rescue specialists are on-site, along with sniffer dogs and ground-penetrating radars. Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters are on standby at Jollygrant airport.

An estimated 180–200 tourists stranded in Gangotri are receiving food, shelter, and medical support from the Army and ITBP. An ad hoc aviation base is being set up at Matli. Rescue teams are preparing for intensive operations over the next 48 hours.

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