The Indian Army has intensified its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Dharali, near Harsil, following a devastating cloudburst that has left the region cut off from both the north and south due to multiple road breaches and a collapsed bridge.
More than 225 Army personnel, including infantry and engineering teams, are on the ground conducting search, rescue, and relief work. Combat engineers have begun clearing debris to restore mobility in the affected areas. Seven teams equipped with Reeco Radar are operating near Tekla, while search and rescue dogs have been deployed in Harsil, with more en route from Remount and Veterinary Centres.
Air support has been mobilised with the military helipad at Harsil operational. Three civil helicopters from Sahastradhara, coordinated with the SDRF, have landed at Bhatwari and Harsil to evacuate casualties and deliver relief supplies. Chinook, Mi-17, and ALH helicopters are on standby at Jolly Grant, Chandigarh, and Sarsawa for further troop and material airlifts, awaiting clearance.
So far, 70 civilians have been rescued, three confirmed dead, and over 50 remain missing, according to the civil administration. The Army has also reported nine personnel missing, including one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). Three casualties have been evacuated by air.
The disaster has caused significant infrastructure damage, with key road stretches near Bartwari, Linchigad, and Gangrani washed away. The civil helipad at Dharali remains unusable due to a mudslide.
Despite the challenging terrain and adverse weather, the Indian Army has pledged continued assistance to the local administration, with rescue and relief efforts ongoing.
