Dehradun: In response to the devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi district, the Uttarakhand government has activated large-scale rescue and relief operations, with helicopters on standby, a red alert issued, and senior officials deployed to the disaster zone.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Uttarakhand, reporting “extremely heavy” rainfall of up to 21 centimetres in isolated areas. The cloudburst, which struck the Himalayan village of Dharali, en route to Gangotri, triggered deadly flash floods that buried homes, toppled buildings, and left at least four dead, with dozens feared trapped.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was in Andhra Pradesh at the time, cut short his visit and returned to Dehradun on Tuesday evening. He chaired an emergency meeting at the State Disaster Operations Centre to assess the situation and coordinate the response. The CM said he is in constant touch with officials and the situation is being closely monitored.

To strengthen the on-ground response, the state government has deployed three senior police officers: Amit Srivastava, Pradeep Kumar Rai, and Surjit Singh, to Uttarkashi district with immediate effect. They will coordinate directly with the district administration for ongoing rescue and relief operations until further notice.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has stationed Chinook Mi-17 V5, Cheetah, and ALH helicopters at the Chandigarh air base. These aircraft are fully equipped and on active standby, ready to launch relief missions as soon as weather conditions permit.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Dhami and ordered the dispatch of seven rescue teams to assist affected areas. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said that the Centre and the state are working together to save lives and contain further damage.

The Himalayan village of Dharali, a major stopover for pilgrims heading to Gangotri, suffered extensive destruction. Multi-storey buildings collapsed, and mudslides swept through homes, vehicles, and hotels. Raging floodwaters also hit the nearby village of Sukki, following the path of the overflowing Kheer Ganga river.

With rain continuing through the evening, rescue operations have been severely hampered. Emergency medical services have been activated, with beds reserved at AIIMS Rishikesh and ambulances rushed to the affected areas.

 

For assistance, the public can contact the District Emergency Operation Centre in Haridwar at 01374-222722 or the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun at 0135-2710334. Toll-free emergency numbers 1070 and 112 are also active.