Daring Helicopter Rescues in Flood-Hit Uttarakhand

Helicopters were deployed by Indian rescuers on Thursday to evacuate individuals trapped by flood waters in Uttarakhand's Himalayan region. This occurred nearly two days after unexpected inundations and landslides caused the deaths of four people, leaving many still unaccounted for.

Rescue operations have been hampered as roads in the Uttarkashi district have been either destroyed or obstructed by boulders, particularly affecting access to the village of Dharali. The incident submerged homes and vehicles in mud, necessitating aerial rescue interventions. The state's chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, confirmed measures were in place to enhance the operation's success.

So far, approximately 200 individuals have been rescued according to army and state updates, yet fears persist over those still missing. Dharali, known as a pivotal stop for pilgrims en route to Gangotri, witnessed significant structural damage. As locals rallied to assist impacted pilgrims, military support arrived promptly despite challenging conditions. Climate change has been identified by experts as a contributing factor to the region's flood and landslide susceptibility.

(With inputs from agencies.)