Uttarakhand: Indian Army Deploys 150 Personnel, Drones, Helicopters for Rescue in Uttarkashi

On August 5, 2025, a devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali area triggered flash floods and mudslides, causing widespread destruction and leaving many residents stranded or missing. In response, the Indian Army has launched a swift and large-scale rescue operation, deploying 150 personnel, drones, and helicopters to assist the affected population in the Harsil and Dharali regions. This blog details the ongoing efforts, the challenges faced, and the coordinated response to this natural disaster.

The Cloudburst and Its Impact

The cloudburst, which struck around 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, caused catastrophic flash floods and landslides in Uttarkashi district, particularly in Dharali village near Harsil, a key stopover on the route to Gangotri. The disaster swept away homes, shops, and roads, with nearly half of Dharali village buried under a massive mudslide of slush, rubble, and water. The Kheer Ganga river overflowed, exacerbating the destruction. Reports indicate at least five confirmed deaths, with over 50 people, including 11 soldiers, still missing. The Har Dudh fair, ongoing in Dharali at the time, likely contributed to the high number of people affected.

The region remains cut off due to multiple road breaches and a collapsed bridge, with the Uttarkashi-Harsil road completely washed out in areas like Ganganani and Bhatwadi. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Uttarkashi, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms, and a red alert for other districts, signaling continued adverse weather.

Indian Army’s Response

The Indian Army, under the leadership of Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF, mobilized within 10 minutes of the cloudburst, deploying 150 personnel to the disaster site, just 4 km from their camp at Harsil. The operation, part of the Army’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts, includes infantry and engineering teams equipped with advanced tools.

• Personnel and Equipment: Over 225 Army personnel, including 150 from the Rajputana Rifles and additional columns, are engaged in search, rescue, and relief tasks. They are using tracker dogs, drones, logistic drones, and earthmoving equipment to locate survivors and clear debris. Reeco Radar is being utilized near Tekla to aid in detection efforts.
• Aerial Support: Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters, including Mi-17, Chinook, and ALH Mk-III, are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa for supply drops, medical evacuations, and troop transport. An-32 and C-295 aircraft from Agra have landed in Dehradun to support the mission, though bad weather has limited helicopter operations.
• Medical Assistance: The injured are being treated at the Army’s medical facility in Harsil, with a team of doctors and specialized equipment deployed. The AIIMS Rishikesh Trauma Centre is on standby to provide additional support.

As of August 6, 2025, the Army has rescued between 70 and 190 individuals, with estimates varying across reports. Rescued villagers have been moved to higher ground due to rising water levels from incessant rains.

Coordinated Efforts

The rescue operation is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies:

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Three ITBP teams, totaling 100 personnel, are assisting in relief efforts.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Four NDRF teams are en route, with DIG Mohsen Shahedi reporting that around 150 people have been moved to safe locations.
• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF): Six SDRF personnel, equipped with tools like rotary rescue saws, thermal imaging cameras, and victim-locating cameras, are navigating the challenging terrain.
• Uttarakhand Police and Local Administration: Over 160 police personnel, including 10 DSPs and 3 SPs, are engaged in rescue operations. The State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun is coordinating with the District Magistrate and SSP.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who cut short a visit to Andhra Pradesh, conducted an aerial survey from Joshiyada helipad and met with affected residents. He confirmed that 190 people have been shifted to safer locations and emphasized the provision of food, shelter, and medical aid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured full central support, with Modi personally monitoring the situation.

Challenges Faced

Rescue teams are grappling with significant obstacles:

• Weather Conditions: Incessant rain and poor visibility have grounded most helicopters, with one SDRF helicopter forced to return due to monsoon conditions.
• Terrain and Debris: The site is covered with 50–60 feet of muck, described as quicksand-like, making manual clearing nearly impossible without heavy machinery.
• Connectivity Issues: Damaged roads, a collapsed bridge, and lack of mobile network coverage in Dharali have hampered communication. Rescue teams are relying on satellite phones, which are patchy.
• Missing Persons: With at least 50–60 people, including 11 soldiers, unaccounted for, the lack of information from under the debris adds to the complexity.

The Army has requested additional Mi-17 and Chinook helicopters and ground-penetrating radars from New Delhi to enhance rescue capabilities.

Community and Government Response

The Uttarkashi district administration has issued a red alert, closing all schools and Anganwadi centers. Public announcements via loudspeakers are urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately. The military helipad at Harsil is operational, and three civil helicopters from Sahastradhara have landed at Bhatwari and Harsil for casualty evacuation and relief delivery.

Chief Minister Dhami described the situation as “extremely sad and distressing,” emphasizing that operations are underway on a war footing. The Army’s Central Command, via its X handle SuryaCommand_IA, reassured citizens of ongoing efforts, stating, “Col Harshvardhan is personally leading 150 personnel in critical rescue and relief operations since 5 Aug 25.”

Conclusion

The Indian Army’s rapid deployment of 150 personnel, supported by drones, helicopters, and other resources, underscores its commitment to saving lives in the wake of the Uttarkashi cloudburst. Despite challenging weather, treacherous terrain, and connectivity issues, the coordinated efforts of the Army, IAF, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities have saved numerous lives. As rescue operations continue amidst heavy rainfall, the nation stands in solidarity with the people of Uttarkashi, hoping for the safe recovery of those still missing.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on information available as of August 6, 2025, from credible news sources and official statements. For the latest updates, refer to official government or news outlets.