Amidst heavy rain, neither helicopters are able to land, nor communication facility is being restored… Rescue in Dharali becomes difficult

Uttarkashi: Rescue operation in Dharali of hilly state Uttarakhand is still disrupted today. All communication networks in Harshil and Dharali are down, due to which the contact has been lost. Helicopter service could not be started due to continuous rain and clouds. So far 5 people have been confirmed dead in the Dharali disaster, while 68 people are missing, including 25 citizens of Nepali origin. 1308 people have been evacuated safely.

Rescue and relief work in Dharali remained affected due to bad weather for the ninth consecutive day. Communication network in Harshil and Dharali is completely down, due to which officials are facing difficulties in gathering information. Due to cloudy weather and rain, helicopter service could not be started, which is the main means of rescue and delivery of essential goods. Despite this, SDRF has set up an incident command post and is trying to expedite the relief work by dividing it into sectors.

Several agencies like Army, Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP and BRO are working together for the rescue work. So far, 356 helicopter flights have been carried out, through which 1308 people have been evacuated and essential supplies have been delivered. Apart from this, 110 vehicles and 21 heavy machines are engaged in removing debris and clearing the road. UJVNL and SDRF teams are working to control the water level in the Bhagirathi river.

A team of experts is reaching Dharali today to investigate the causes of the disaster and find long-term solutions for the future. This team includes scientists from ULMCC, Wadia Institute, CBRI Roorkee and GSI. Uttarakhand Space Application Center has also been entrusted with the task of installing sensors to monitor temporary lakes. Along with this, a medical team, doctors and ambulances are deployed in Dharali, while 294 beds have been prepared in the District Hospital Uttarkashi.