Cloudburst Havoc in Uttarkashi: 11 Injured Soldiers Airlifted as Rescue Operations Intensify

Uttarkashi, Aug 2025 – As rescue operations continue in full force following a devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi district, 11 injured army personnel have been airlifted to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Hospital in Matli, according to local authorities.

The cloudburst has triggered massive flash floods and landslides, severely affecting the regions of Dharali, Sukhi Top, and Harsil, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure and displacement of residents.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Uttarkashi Police said:

“Relief and rescue operations are ongoing for the disaster-affected people in Harsil and Dharali. 11 injured army personnel have been airlifted to ITBP Hospital Matli.”

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) also confirmed that two injured civilians were safely evacuated from Dharali to the ITBP hospital with the help of the Matli helipad. “SDRF is always ready for relief and service during calamities,” the force said in its post.

In response to the disaster, the Indian Army has launched a rapid and coordinated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation. According to an official statement, over 225 army personnel, including infantry and engineering teams, have been deployed on the ground for search, rescue, and relief efforts.

A combat engineer team has reached Dharali to assist in debris clearance and to help restore access. As of 3 p.m., seven army teams equipped with Ricoh radar and search-and-rescue dogs were operating in Harsil and surrounding areas.

The military helipad in Harsil is functional, and three civilian helicopters from Sahastradhara, supported by SDRF, have successfully landed at Bhatwari and Harsil to evacuate the injured and deliver relief supplies.

Additional helicopters, including Chinook, Mi-17, and ALH, are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa, awaiting operational clearance for deployment.

So far, three deaths have been confirmed, and over 50 civilians remain missing, according to the district administration. The army also reported nine missing personnel, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and eight soldiers.

The infrastructure damage is significant, with major roads near Baratwari, Lynchigad, and Gangrani completely washed away, severely disrupting traffic. The civil helipad in Dharali remains non-operational due to ongoing landslides.