Uttarkashi, Aug 8: Over 357 civilians have been rescued, while eight soldiers from the 14 RAJ RIF remain missing and around 100 civilians are still untraceable in the flash flood and landslide-hit areas of Dharali and Harsil in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district , as of Friday.

Under ‘Operation Dharali’, the Indian Army, in coordination with multiple agencies, continues to lead extensive rescue and relief efforts in Dharali and Harsil.

Despite challenging terrain and damaged infrastructure, the Army—working alongside the Indian Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, BRO, and civil administration—is conducting rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

Of the 357 rescued civilians, 119 have been airlifted to Dehradun and as many as 13 Army personnel have also been safely evacuated.

However, according to the civil administration, eight soldiers of the 14 RAJ RIF are still missing, around 100 civilians remain untraced, and tragically, two civilian deaths have been reported.

According to the Army, Dharali remains inaccessible due to massive landslides, although road clearance efforts have reached Limchigad. 

A Bailey Bridge is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by this evening.

On August 7, a total of 68 helicopter sorties were conducted—6 by the Indian Air Force, 7 by the Army, and 55 by civil operators.

Heli-bridging operations are ongoing between Dehradun, Harsil, Matli, and Dharasu ALG, utilizing C-295 aircraft to transport supplies and evacuate civilians.

The Army has deployed specialized rescue teams, medical staff, and search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs, while the NDRF and SDRF have joined efforts with 105 personnel and 10 trained dogs.

The ITBP has positioned teams and medical officers at both Harsil and Dharali. Medical teams—comprising doctors, combat medics, and nursing assistants—are providing care to evacuees both on-site and at transit locations.

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