As the search for the missing continues, disturbing accounts of the disaster reveal the extent of destruction in the village of Dharali.
A week after catastrophic flash floods swept through the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, authorities report that at least 66 individuals are still missing, with only one body recovered, correcting the previously reported total of four fatalities. The village of Dharali experienced significant devastation on August 5, when a mudslide triggered by heavy rains submerged much of the area in water and debris.
While many rescue operations are ongoing, officials acknowledge that the efforts have been hampered by severe weather conditions and blocked highways caused by the mudslide. In response to the situation, rescue teams have successfully evacuated around 1,300 people from the vicinity of Dharali.
The relentless rainstorms that have tormented Uttarakhand recently have swollen rivers in the region, prompting torrents of muddy water to cascade down the hills, engulfing roads, structures, and businesses in both Dharali and the nearby village of Harsil. Eyewitnesses shared shocking videos capturing the chaos, where destructive waves inundated homes and left little time for residents to seek safety.
Although state officials, including Uttarakhand's chief minister, initially attributed the floods to a cloudburst, the Indian Meteorological Department has yet to confirm this theory. To better understand the situation, a team of geologists is currently assessing the area.
The environmental impact has been monumental, as sludge from the Kheerganga river blocked portions of the Bhagirathi river, leading to the formation of an artificial lake that submerged vast areas, including essential infrastructure like a government helipad. Rescue workers are currently focused on draining this lake, which has fluctuated in size with ongoing rainfall.
Among the missing, the list includes 24 Nepalese workers, 14 local residents, and nine army personnel, along with others from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. However, locals have indicated that the number of unaccounted individuals may be higher than reported.
Efforts continue with helicopters utilized to access the now unreachable parts of Dharali, and temporary bridges being built to assist in clearing blocked roads. Authorities are determined to restore normalcy and are relentlessly working to remove debris, while specialized teams and sniffer dogs are deployed in the search for the missing.
In a troubling development, a road-repair machine near Kheerganga plunged into the swollen river, and its driver remains missing, highlighting the ongoing hazards faced by rescue teams. With forecasts indicating continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Uttarakhand until August 14, statewide alerts have been issued for several districts, including Garhwal, signaling that the danger is far from over.
A week after catastrophic flash floods swept through the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, authorities report that at least 66 individuals are still missing, with only one body recovered, correcting the previously reported total of four fatalities. The village of Dharali experienced significant devastation on August 5, when a mudslide triggered by heavy rains submerged much of the area in water and debris.
While many rescue operations are ongoing, officials acknowledge that the efforts have been hampered by severe weather conditions and blocked highways caused by the mudslide. In response to the situation, rescue teams have successfully evacuated around 1,300 people from the vicinity of Dharali.
The relentless rainstorms that have tormented Uttarakhand recently have swollen rivers in the region, prompting torrents of muddy water to cascade down the hills, engulfing roads, structures, and businesses in both Dharali and the nearby village of Harsil. Eyewitnesses shared shocking videos capturing the chaos, where destructive waves inundated homes and left little time for residents to seek safety.
Although state officials, including Uttarakhand's chief minister, initially attributed the floods to a cloudburst, the Indian Meteorological Department has yet to confirm this theory. To better understand the situation, a team of geologists is currently assessing the area.
The environmental impact has been monumental, as sludge from the Kheerganga river blocked portions of the Bhagirathi river, leading to the formation of an artificial lake that submerged vast areas, including essential infrastructure like a government helipad. Rescue workers are currently focused on draining this lake, which has fluctuated in size with ongoing rainfall.
Among the missing, the list includes 24 Nepalese workers, 14 local residents, and nine army personnel, along with others from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. However, locals have indicated that the number of unaccounted individuals may be higher than reported.
Efforts continue with helicopters utilized to access the now unreachable parts of Dharali, and temporary bridges being built to assist in clearing blocked roads. Authorities are determined to restore normalcy and are relentlessly working to remove debris, while specialized teams and sniffer dogs are deployed in the search for the missing.
In a troubling development, a road-repair machine near Kheerganga plunged into the swollen river, and its driver remains missing, highlighting the ongoing hazards faced by rescue teams. With forecasts indicating continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Uttarakhand until August 14, statewide alerts have been issued for several districts, including Garhwal, signaling that the danger is far from over.
