Swift Response to Rescue Efforts in Flood-Ravaged Dharali

Efforts intensified on Thursday to provide advanced equipment to flood-ravaged Dharali village, accelerating the search for individuals trapped under debris and rescuing pilgrims stranded due to blocked roads.

'Priority today is airlifting advanced equipment,' said State Disaster Response Force IG Arun Mohan Joshi, noting challenges faced due to blocked roads.

With 50 to 60-ft-high mounds of debris, missing individuals may be trapped, and advanced equipment will aid in thorough searches. The rescuers aim to assist 300-400 stranded pilgrims while accommodating locals and tourists who might include construction workers from several hotel sites.

Dharali serves as a primary stopover for those heading to Gangotri, the Ganga's origin, housing several hotels and homestays. To trace the missing, ground-penetrating radars and sniffer dogs are expected to be used.

Two bodies were retrieved on Wednesday. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring operations, expected to accelerate once the weather improves and roads reopen.

Landslides have hindered access to Dharali, where a cloudburst on Tuesday led to flash floods, sweeping away homes and vehicles, leaving dozens trapped and several, including 11 Army personnel, missing.

(With inputs from agencies.)