Uttarakhand's Courageous Rescue: Helicopters and Heroes Save Flood Victims

In a commendable display of coordination and resolve, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday attended the rescue operation at Matli Helipad in Uttarkashi district, where he met individuals airlifted from the flood-affected Dharali village. The extensive evacuation effort was executed by a coalition of agencies including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities.

The Chief Minister reassured the evacuees of comprehensive state support and engaged with administrative and rescue personnel deliberating on further efforts in the region. By mid-morning, ITBP helicopters had facilitated the rescue of 44 people from Dharali and Harsil, ensuring their transfer to Matli for medical care and temporary refuge.

Concurrently, severe rainfall in Rudraprayag district led to a temporary suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra on Tuesday. Police and SDRF teams ensured the safe return of pilgrims from Kedarnath Dham, clearing routes between Gaurikund and Sonprayag. Uttarakhand's Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan coordinates the vigilant monitoring of conditions and rescue operations from the State Emergency Operations Centre. Notably, helicopter services, as affirmed by NDRF DIG Gambhir Singh Chauhan, have significantly augmented rescue missions against the backdrop of massive road blockades.

Drone footage from the disaster-stricken route to Dharali reflected extensive road destruction due to cloudbursts and mudslides, impeding initial response efforts. Survivors, comprising many pilgrims, shared accounts of their narrow escape and credited swift agency interventions for their rescue.

Eyewitnesses like Arohi Mehra and Rupesh Mehra, tourists from Jalgaon, praised the relentless commitment shown by the Indian Army and local authorities during aerial evacuations despite logistical challenges. Anamika Mehra expressed gratitude for the immediate helicopter services and the unified approach in rescue efforts by the Uttarakhand Government. The dramatic evacuation operations continued to escalate, with around 190 individuals rescued post-cloudburst, spearheaded by a coalition involving the Indian Army, IAF, ITBP, NDRF, and local volunteers.

(With inputs from agencies.)