Uttarkashi Flash Floods Death Toll Rises to 5, Over 100 Still Missing as Rescue Operations Continue
Flash floods in Uttarkashi triggered by a cloudburst have claimed five lives and left over 100 missing. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and multiple rescue teams are on-ground overseeing efforts.
Kevin Varchand 
Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India] August 6: A devastating cloudburst in the Kheer Ganga catchment area of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods and landslides on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction. The official death toll has now risen to five, with over 100 individuals, including 11 army personnel, still missing.
Uttarkashi Flash Floods
Rescue operations led by multiple agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and the Indian Army, are currently underway in Kheer Gadh and nearby areas, where entire buildings, shops, and roads have been swept away in the deluge.
Over 100 Missing, Search Intensifies Amid Difficult Terrain
“Around 150 people have been taken to safe spots. As far as the information, four people have been found dead, and over 100 people are missing,” news agency ANI quoted NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahedi as saying. He added that they are “still waiting for the confirmation from the local administration.”
CM Dhami Conducts Aerial Survey, Reviews Ground Operations
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the affected areas early Wednesday to review rescue operations. He conducted an aerial survey of Dharali and nearby regions before a disaster management meeting at the Dehradun State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
Talking to reporters after visiting the worst-hit areas, Dhami said, “Ten DSPs, three SPs and around 160 police officials are engaged in carrying out rescue operations. Helicopters of the army are also ready. As soon as the weather improves, the helicopters will be used for rescue operations,” reported news agency ANI.
He added, “All our agencies, including the Indian Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF and locals, are doing the rescue work. Due to damage to the roads and a bridge, it has become difficult to reach the spot. The Disaster Operations Station in Dehradun is working 24 hours to provide all possible assistance.”
Prime Minister Modi Reviews Situation, Offers Full Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttarakhand’s CM in the morning to take stock of the situation and review the response. Following the call, Dhami posted on social media: “Heartfelt gratitude to the honourable Prime Minister for extending all possible assistance.”
