Flood fury: Army battles nature to save lives in Harshil sector of Uttarakhand

In major relief operations being carried out by troops of 14 Rajputana Rifles in the calamity-struck Harshil sector in Uttarakhand, more than 70 people were rescued and brought to the army camp on Wednesday.

The army rescue columns have also established makeshift crossings connecting Dharali, Mukhva and Harshil.

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In a radio message shared by the Indian Army, Commanding Officer of 14 Rajputana Rifles, Colonel Harshvardhan, stated that 70-80 civilians have been rescued and brought to the army camp. “This is in addition to the 100 people who stayed at the camp during the night.”

“The calamity occurred yesterday at around 1.30 pm. A column of 150 troops reached Dharali village within 15 minutes and villagers were rescued and sent to higher reaches. The Army camp was also struck by a mudslide yesterday. Though our team got cut off from both sides, we managed to continue the rescue efforts.

“This morning, we established contact and created a crossing connecting Dharali and Mukhva village. Drones were also pressed into the rescue operations. One dead body was located by the drones and was retrieved,” the officer, who is also leading the rescue operations, said.

Stating that the situation was presently under control, the Commanding Officer said that the civilians are all safe at their respective locations.

“The people who were requiring immediate medical attention were brought to the army (camp). We plan to add 2 or 3 additional columns. Initially they will be foot base as the extent of the mudslide is massive and several routes are completely inundated. We are creating new mountain terrains to reach the affected areas. Helicopter efforts will be pressed in as soon as the weather clears,” he said.

He added that the army camp was also affected by a flash flood and a mudslide, but the officers managed to evacuate at least 50 labourers working in there.

“The Army camp was also struck by a flash flood and a mudslide at 330 hours. Our column got cut off from both sides, however, we pressed on with the efforts. 50-60 labourers working here were evacuated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, (ADGPI) posted about the rescue efforts on X.

“Over 70 individuals have been rescued so far. Two additional rescue and relief columns have been mobilised to Gangotri and Dharali. Earth-moving equipment has been deployed to open the road axis from Harshil to Dharali. Drones and rescue dogs are being utilised to locate stranded civilians.

“Evacuated individuals are being provided with medical assistance and food. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on reaching every affected person. The Indian Army remains fully committed to providing all possible support and assistance to the affected population,” the X post read further.

Sharing an update on X, the Surya Command wrote, “Col Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF, is personally leading 150 personnel in critical rescue and relief operations since 5 Aug 25. Inputs from the CO have been received, reassuring the citizens of the Army’s continued efforts to rescue all survivors.”

“Additional Army columns, along with Army tracker dogs, drones, logistic drones, earthmoving equipment, etc, have been moved ahead to supplement the resources at Harshil to hasten the efforts,” the X post added.

“Army and Air Force helicopters for essential supplies, medicines and evacuation of the marooned are also being coordinated. In the meanwhile, the residents have been moved to higher reaches in view of rising water levels due to incessant rains,” the post read.