Nearly a week has passed since a catastrophic flash flood devastated Dharali village on 5th August, and authorities have confirmed that 43 individuals remain unaccounted for, including Army personnel and several civilians from Uttarakhand and neighbouring states.
Rescue teams—including the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF—continue air operations. On 12th August, helicopters ferried stranded individuals to Matli helipad, and more than a thousand people have been evacuated since the disaster. Heavy rains have hindered rescue efforts at intervals, though sorties have resumed whenever conditions permit.
Infrastructure restoration is underway, with the Border Roads Organisation recently completing a bailey bridge at Limchigadh to restore connectivity to Harsil. At the same time, state agencies are working to drain a newly formed lake on the Bhagirathi River to prevent additional flooding risks.
With heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast until 15th August, officials have warned that ongoing rescue and relief work could be further delayed, and fresh landslides or flooding cannot be ruled out.
