Uttarkashi: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), in collaboration with various agencies, successfully rescued 37 individuals, which included 11 women and 4 children, amidst the destruction caused by the Dharali cloudburst that triggered flash floods in the area.

As per an official announcement, the injured individuals have been safely transported to ITBP Border Out Posts (BOP) in Kopang, where they received first aid.

In the meantime, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived at the state Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun to assess the catastrophic situation in the state resulting from the cloudbursts in the Uttarkashi district. The state government reported that rescue and relief operations are being conducted urgently, with support from various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, SDRF, Fire Services, Army, local administration/police, and other rescue teams. The significant increase in water levels has led to damage to numerous buildings, hotels, and shops.

The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of Uttarkashi have promptly headed to Dharali. The site of the incident is located 80 kilometers from the Uttarkashi district headquarters. The closest hospital is 5 km away, the district hospital is 88 km away, and AIIMS Dehradun is 246 km away, according to the Uttarakhand government.

Acting Chief Secretary, RK Sudhanshu, has notified the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the incident. Sudhanshu mentioned that the Central Government has promised all necessary support for the relief and rescue efforts. Ongoing coordination is being upheld with senior officials from the Central Government.

SDRF has sent victim location cameras, thermal imaging cameras, RR saws, diamond chain saws, carbide-tipped chain saws, chipping hammers, drones, pelican lights, dragon lights, and medical supplies to the site of the incident. The State Emergency Operation Centre maintains constant communication with the District Magistrate and SSP.

In several impacted regions of the state, local authorities, in conjunction with law enforcement, have released advisories to residents, encouraging them to refrain from traveling unless absolutely necessary.

In light of the disaster circumstances, three additional IAS officers have been assigned to Uttarkashi until further notice.