After the natural disaster in Dharali area of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, joint rescue operations by government agencies are continuing. Army, Air Force, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and administrative officials are making efforts for the safe evacuation of the stranded citizens.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority, so far a total of 274 citizens have been shifted to Harshil from Gangotri and nearby areas. These include citizens from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Assam, Karnataka, Telangana and Punjab. All are being sent to Uttarkashi or Dehradun.
6 helicopters including Chinook and MI-17 of the Indian Air Force are working for the rescue operation, which will be increased to 8 in the coming days. HAL and Cheetah helicopters of the Indian Army are also operating since 7 am.
At present, a total of 479 officers and personnel are actively deployed, which includes Rajputana Rifles, Army’s Ghatak Team, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Police, Medical Team and Administrative Staff. Additional 814 members have been deployed from various places.
Under medical facilities, specialist doctors have been appointed in Dharali, Harshil, Matli and Uttarkashi. A total of 294 general and 65 ICU beds have been made available.
So far 230 persons have been rescued, of which 13 injured have been admitted to various hospitals. Around 400 people are still stranded in Gangotri, who are being evacuated gradually.
Unfortunately, the bodies of 2 deceased have been recovered in this disaster, while 9 soldiers and 7 civilians are still missing. As part of relief operations, 2,000 ‘Ready to Eat’ food packets and regular supply are being ensured.