Air rescue efforts entered their seventh day on Tuesday in Dharali and Harsil areas of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, where flash floods struck on August 5, causing heavy destruction and loss of life.
According to the authorities, 43 people are still missing following the flash floods. Stranded people were being evacuated by helicopter to Matli helipad, from where arrangements were in place to send them safely to their destinations, officials said.
Meanwhile, teams from Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam and the Irrigation Department are working to safely open a lake that formed on the Bhagirathi river near the Harshil helipad after the floods. District Magistrate Prashant Arya has been in Dharali Harshil since August 5, overseeing relief work and ensuring that all possible assistance is provided to the disaster-hit people.
So far, 1,278 people have been rescued, including those stranded at Gangotri Dham, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said on Monday.
"Following a disaster in Dharali, about 1,278 people, including those from other states, stranded at Gangotri Dham, were evacuated. The operation is now complete. Electricity and mobile networks have been restored,” he added.
The Valley Bridge and road connectivity have been restored. Essential supplies such as food, warm clothing, and daily-use items have reached the affected areas. Officials are monitoring the distribution of Rs 5 lakh assistance announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
A three-member committee appointed by the CM has arrived to assess relief and rehabilitation needs. They will submit an initial report within a week and a final report within a month.
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