Uttarkashi Flash Floods: Rescue Operations Continue, 30 Tourists Missing
• Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, following a devastating cloudburst in the Dharali region on 6 August
• The cloudburst triggered flash floods in the Kheer Ganga river's catchment area, resulting in the destruction of several houses and infrastructure. Five fatalities have been confirmed, and 274 individuals have been rescued so far. However, 30 tourists from Maharashtra remain untraceable. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has reviewed relief efforts and sanctioned financial aid for affected families. Helicopters, along with teams from the SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, and the Indian Army, are actively involved in rescue and relief operations.
Impact & Risks
The flash floods have caused significant damage to homes, roads, and bridges in Uttarkashi. Landslides have further disrupted connectivity, with the Ganganani-Harsil road heavily damaged and a bridge near Ganganani washed away. Approximately 180-200 tourists in Gangotri are receiving food, shelter, and medical aid. The disaster has left 30 tourists from Maharashtra unaccounted for, raising concerns about their safety. The affected areas are also at risk of further heavy rainfall, which could exacerbate the situation.
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